MS-3 Laser Scanner

User Manual

P/N 84-000003 Rev C

Copyright and Disclaimer
Copyright 2016
Microscan Systems, Inc.
Tel: +1.425.226.5700 / 800.762.1149
Fax: +1.425.226.8250
All rights reserved. The information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely for the pur-
pose of allowing customers to operate and/or service Microscan manufactured equipment and is not to be
released, reproduced, or used for any other purpose without written permission of Microscan.
Throughout this manual, trademarked names might be used. We state herein that we are using the names
to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement.

Disclaimer
The information and specifications described in this manual are subject to change without notice.

Latest Manual Version

For the latest version of this manual, see the Download Center on our web site at:
www.microscan.com.

Technical Support
For technical support, e-mail: [email protected].

Warranty
For current warranty information, see: www.microscan.com/warranty.

Microscan Systems, Inc.

United States Corporate Headquarters
+1.425.226.5700 / 800.762.1149
United States Northeast Technology Center
+1.603.598.8400 / 800.468.9503
European Headquarters
+31.172.423360
Asia Pacific Headquarters
+65.6846.1214

ii MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Introduction

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Quick Start
Step 1 Check Hardware .......................................................................... 1-2
Step 2 Connect the System ..................................................................... 1-3
Step 3 Position Symbol and Scanner ...................................................... 1-4
Step 4 Install ESP.................................................................................... 1-5
Step 5 Select Scanner Model .................................................................. 1-6
Step 6 Autoconnect ................................................................................. 1-7
Step 7 Test for Read Rate ....................................................................... 1-8
Step 8 Calibrate the Scanner .................................................................. 1-9
Step 9 Save Calibration Settings for Power-On .................................... 1-10
Step 10 Configure the Scanner ............................................................. 1-11
Chapter 2 Using ESP
Setup Mode ............................................................................................. 2-2
Application Mode ..................................................................................... 2-3
Dropdown Menus .................................................................................... 2-4
Connect Menu ........................................................................................ 2-9
View ...................................................................................................... 2-11
Navigating in ESP.................................................................................. 2-12
Send/Receive Options ........................................................................... 2-13
Chapter 3 Communications
Communications by ESP......................................................................... 3-2
Communications by Serial Command ..................................................... 3-2
Password Protection................................................................................ 3-3
RS-232/422 Host Port ............................................................................. 3-4
RS-232 Auxiliary Port ............................................................................ 3-11
Preamble ............................................................................................... 3-20
Postamble.............................................................................................. 3-21
LRC Status ............................................................................................ 3-22
Intercharacter Delay .............................................................................. 3-22
Chapter 4 Read Cycle
Read Cycle by ESP ................................................................................. 4-2
Read Cycle by Serial Command ............................................................. 4-2
Multisymbol.............................................................................................. 4-3
Number of Symbols ................................................................................. 4-4
Serial Trigger ......................................................................................... 4-12
End of Read Cycle................................................................................. 4-14
Decodes Before Output ......................................................................... 4-16
Scanner Setup ....................................................................................... 4-17
Laser Setup ........................................................................................... 4-21
Chapter 5 Symbologies
Symbologies by ESP ............................................................................... 5-2
Symbologies by Serial Command ........................................................... 5-2
MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual iii
Table of Contents
Code 39 ................................................................................................... 5-3
Code 128 ................................................................................................. 5-6
Interleaved 2 of 5................................................................................... 5-10
Codabar................................................................................................. 5-13
UPC/EAN .............................................................................................. 5-16
Code 93 ................................................................................................. 5-19
Pharmacode .......................................................................................... 5-20
Narrow Margins ..................................................................................... 5-22
Symbology ID ........................................................................................ 5-23
Background Color.................................................................................. 5-24
Autodiscriminate .................................................................................... 5-24
Symbol Ratio Mode ............................................................................... 5-25
Chapter 6 I/O Parameters
Output Conditions by ESP Menu............................................................. 6-2
I/O Parameters by Serial Command ....................................................... 6-3
Symbol Data Output ................................................................................ 6-4
Message Output ...................................................................................... 6-7
No Read Message................................................................................... 6-8
Bad Symbol Message ............................................................................. 6-9
No Symbol Message ............................................................................. 6-10
Beeper................................................................................................... 6-11
Partial Output ........................................................................................ 6-12
Serial Verification .................................................................................. 6-13
EZ Button .............................................................................................. 6-15
Output 1................................................................................................. 6-18
Output 2................................................................................................. 6-24
Output 3................................................................................................. 6-25
Quality Output ....................................................................................... 6-26
Chapter 7 Matchcode
Matchcode by ESP .................................................................................. 7-2
Matchcode by Serial Command .............................................................. 7-2
Overview of Matchcode ........................................................................... 7-3
Using Master Symbols ............................................................................ 7-3
Matchcode Type ...................................................................................... 7-4
New Master Pin ....................................................................................... 7-9
Master Symbol Database ...................................................................... 7-10
Chapter 8 Diagnostics
Diagnostics by ESP ................................................................................. 8-2
Diagnostics by Serial Command ............................................................. 8-2
Diagnostic Messages Overview .............................................................. 8-3
Counts ..................................................................................................... 8-4
Hours Since Last Reset........................................................................... 8-6
Laser High ............................................................................................... 8-7
Laser Low ................................................................................................ 8-8

iv MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Introduction
Service Message ..................................................................................... 8-9
Chapter 9 Calibration
Calibration ............................................................................................... 9-2
Auto Frame .............................................................................................. 9-6
Chapter 10 Terminal
Terminal Window ................................................................................... 10-2
Find Function ......................................................................................... 10-3
Macros................................................................................................... 10-4
Terminal Window Functions .................................................................. 10-5
Chapter 11 Utilities
Utilities by ESP ...................................................................................... 11-2
Summary of Utilities Commands ........................................................... 11-3
Read Rate ............................................................................................. 11-5
Counters ................................................................................................ 11-6
Master Database ................................................................................... 11-8
Digital Bar Code .................................................................................. 11-11
Firmware.............................................................................................. 11-12
Device Control ..................................................................................... 11-13
Symbol Type........................................................................................ 11-15
Defaulting/Saving/Resetting ................................................................ 11-16
Microscan Grading .............................................................................. 11-17
Reader Status Requests ..................................................................... 11-19
Appendices
Appendix A General Specifications .........................................................A-2
Appendix B Electrical Specifications .......................................................A-5
Appendix C Serial Configuration Commands ..........................................A-6
Appendix D Serial Command Format ......................................................A-9
Appendix E ASCII Table ........................................................................A-11
Appendix F Defaulting/Saving/Resetting ...............................................A-13
Appendix G Symbol Configuration ........................................................A-15
Appendix H Object Detector ..................................................................A-17
Appendix I Formulas for Number of Decodes .......................................A-18
Appendix J Operational Tips .................................................................A-21
Appendix K Interface Standards ............................................................A-22
Appendix L Multidrop Communications .................................................A-23
Appendix M Troubleshooting .................................................................A-28
Appendix N Glossary of Terms..............................................................A-30

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual v

About the MS-3 Laser Scanner

About the MS-3 Laser Scanner

The MS-3 is an ultra-compact scanner that can decode high density symbols from 2 to 10
inches at a 70 degree scan angle, at speeds of 300 to 1,000 decodes per second, with a
power draw of only 300mA at 5V. The multi-function EZ button can be used for read rate
tests and automatic calibration right out of the box, and it can also be programmed to per-
form a variety of other functions.
Programmable firmware also allows considerable control of multiple features, including
three programmable relay outputs and new master and trigger inputs.
The scanner can be configured with ESP (Easy Setup Program), Microscans proprietary
scanner setup software. ESP can be downloaded from the Microscan website at
www.microscan.com. You must be running Microsoft Windows 2000 or higher to use ESP.

Scanner Communication
There are five ways to program the scanner:
1. Microscans Windows-based ESP, which offers point-and-click ease of use and
visual responses to user adjustments.
2. Serial commands such as <K100,1> can be sent from ESPs Terminal or another
terminal program.
3. Embedded firmware (onboard menus).
4. Symbol configuration.
5. The EZ Button on the top of the scanner.
Note: You can learn the current setting of any parameter by inserting a question mark after
the command number, as in <K100?> To see all K commands, send <K?>.

vi MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Introduction

Warning and Caution Summary

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna;
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver;
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected;
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
For connection to a UL-listed direct plug-in power unit marked Class II and rated 10 to 28
VDC at 5 watts or greater.
European models must use a similarly rated Class I or Class II power supply that is certified
to comply with standard for safety EN 60950.
Based on the assessment of IEC 60825-1 3rd Edition (2014), the MS-3 does not exceed
the AEL of a Class 1 laser product.
Use of controls, adjustments, or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous laser light radiation exposure.
There are no user-serviceable parts in the scanner. Opening the scanner voids the
Microscan Systems, Inc. warranty and could expose the user to laser diode power.
The laser beam can be harmful to eyesight. Avoid eye contact with the laser beam.
Never point the beam at other people, or in a direction where people may be passing.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual vii

Warning and Caution Summary

Warning and Caution Summary (cont.)

The following label is located on side of the MS-3 Laser Scanner:

Embedded Laser Diode - 650nm, 12mW

Wavelength: 650nm
Beam Divergence: 0.6 (typ.)
Pulse Duration: 38s
Maximum Power: 1mW
Based on the assessment of IEC 60825-1 3rd Edition (2014), the MS-3 does not exceed the
AEL of a Class 1 laser product.

Laser Aperture

CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those

specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
IMPORTANT: The MS-3 is intended for connection to a UL-listed direct plug-in power unit
marked Class 2 and rated 5 VDC at 3.5 Watts, or greater if using electrical accessories.
European models must use a similarly rated Class 1 or Class 2 power supply that is
certified to comply with standard for safety EN 60950.

viii MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Introduction

Warning and Caution Summary (cont.)

Warning Label Placement
These labels are located on the MS-3 Laser Scanner:

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual ix

Statement of Agency Compliance

Statement of Agency Compliance

This device has been tested in accordance with IEC 60825-1 2nd ed., and has been certified to be under
the limits of a Class 2 Laser device.

The MS-3 has been tested for compliance with FCC (Federal Communications Commission) regulations
and has been found to conform to all applicable FCC Rules and Regulations.
To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this device must not be co-located or operate
in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
users authority to operate the equipment.
The MS-3 conforms to the following requirements:
FCC 15.107:2015 Class B Conducted Emissions
FCC 15.109(g):2015 Class B Radiated Emissions

The MS-3 has been tested for compliance with CE (Conformit Europenne) standards and guidelines,
and has been found to conform to applicable CE standards, specifically the following requirements:
EN 55022:2010/AC:2011 Class B Radiated Emissions
EN 55022:2010/AC:2011 Class B Conducted Emissions
EN 55032:2012 Class B Radiated Emissions
EN 55032:2012 Class B Conducted Emissions
The MS-3 has been tested by an independent electromagnetic compatibility laboratory in accordance with
the applicable specifications and instructions.
The MS-3 is compliant with FDA performance standards for laser products except for deviations pursuant
to laser notice no. 50, dated June 24, 2007.

Canada
The MS-3 conforms to the following requirement:
ICES-003:2012 updated 2014 Class B Radiated and Conducted Emissions

Japan
The MS-3 conforms to the following requirement:
VCCI:2015-04 Class B Radiated and Radiated and Conducted Emissions

Australia and New Zealand

The MS-3 conforms to the following requirements:
AS/NZS CISPR 22:2009 + A1:2010 Class B Radiated and Conducted Emissions
AS/NZS CISPR 32:2013 Class B Radiated and Conducted Emissions

x MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Introduction

Statement of RoHS Compliance

All Microscan readers with a G suffix in the FIS number are RoHS-Compliant. All compliant
readers were converted prior to March 1, 2007. All standard accessories in the Microscan Product
Pricing Catalog are RoHS-Compliant except 20-500013-01 and 98-000039-02. These products
meet all the requirements of Directive 2002/95/EC European Parliament and the Council of
the European Union for RoHS compliance. In accordance with the latest requirements, our
RoHS-Compliant products and packaging do not contain intentionally added Deca-BDE,
Perfluorooctanes (PFOS) or Perfluorooctanic Acid (PFOA) compounds above the maximum
trace levels. To view the document stating these requirements, please visit:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32002L0095:EN:HTML
and
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:372:0032:0034:EN:PDF
Please contact your sales manager for a complete list of Microscans RoHS-Compliant products.

This declaration is based upon information obtained from sources which Microscan believes to be reliable, and
from random sample testing; however, the information is provided without any representation of warranty,
expressed or implied, regarding accuracy or correctness. Microscan does not specifically run any analysis on our
raw materials or end product to measure for these substances.
The information provided in this certification notice is correct to the best of Microscans knowledge at the date of
publication. This notice is not to be considered a warranty or quality specification. Users are responsible for
determining the applicability of any RoHS legislation or regulations based on their individual use of the product.
In regards to RoHS Directive 2011_65_EU Microscan produces Monitoring and Control Instruments as well as
Industrial Monitoring & Control Instruments as defined within the directive. Microscan has developed and is
implementing a RoHS2 compliance plan with the intention of bringing all active products listed in our current
marketing literature within full compliance as per the directive deadlines.
Key milestones for the transition plan are as follows:
Complete internal product audit by July 2014.
Initial Monitoring and Control Instruments RoHS2 compliant products available by December 2014
Initial Industrial Monitoring & Control Instruments RoHS2 compliant products available by July 2015
All new products introduced in 2015 are expected to be WEEE & RoHS2 compliant.
Microscan will mark the products with the CE marking that complies with the RoHS2 process to acquire CE certification
per the example given: Example >> Machinery directive + EMC directive + RoHS2 = Declaration of Conformity.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual xi

xii MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual
MS-3 Laser E.book Page 1 Monday, August 30, 2004 11:09 AM

Chapter Quick Start

11

Chapter Contents
Step 1 Hardware Required ..........................................................................1-2
Step 2 Connect the System.........................................................................1-3
Step 3 Position Symbol and Scanner ..........................................................1-4
Step 4 Install ESP .......................................................................................1-5
Step 5 Select Reader Model ........................................................................1-6
Step 6 Autoconnect .....................................................................................1-7
Step 7 Test for Read Rate...........................................................................1-8
Step 8 Calibrate the Reader........................................................................1-9
Step 9 Save Calibration Settings for Power-On .........................................1-10
Step 10 Configure the Reader ...................................................................1-11

This section is designed to get the scanner up and running quickly so the user can get a
sense of its capabilities and test sample bar code symbols. Detailed setup information
for configuring the scanner for your specific application can be obtained in the subse-
quent chapters.

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Step 1 Hardware Required

Caution: If using your own power supply (see Warning and Caution Summary on
page i-xi), be certain that it is wired correctly and supply voltage is 10 to 28 VDC.
Incorrect wiring or voltage can cause software or equipment failures.

If connecting to a host with an IB-131 Interface box, you will need the following:
Itema Part Number Description
1 FIS-0003-XXXXG MS-3 laser scanner
2 FIS-0001-0035G IC-332 Interface converter
3 99-000018-01 IB-131 Interface box
4 user-supplied Host computer
5 61-300026-03 Null modem configuration cable
97-000012-02
6 Power supply
(90-264 VAC, 24VDC)
7 99-000017-01 Optional object detector
a. See figure 1-1 for diagram of system.

2
3
4 Scanner
Network
Host

6 7

Figure 1-1 Hardware Required

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Chapter 1 Quick Start

Step 2 Connect the System

Caution:
Be sure all cables are connected BEFORE applying power.
Always power down BEFORE disconnecting any cables.

To connect the system, do the following:

1. Connect the scanner (1) to the
SCANNER connector on the
IC-332 interface converter (2)
1
using the attached 3-foot cable.1
2. Connect the IC-332 directly to the
SCANNER 15 pin connector on the 2
IB-131 (3). 3
4 Scanner
3. Connect the host computer (4) to

Network
the IB-131 HOST 25-pin connec-

Host
5
tor via the null modem cable (5).2
(Refer to IB-131 Interface on
page A-8 for pin connections.) 6
7
4. Connect power supply (6) to the
IB-131 POWER connector.
5. Apply power to the system.
Figure 1-2 Hardware Connections

1. Since power supply is included in the single cabling assembly, the reader cable should not
exceed 3 feet. RS232 cabling from the IB-131 to the host can be up to 47 feet provided it does
not include power input.
2. If using your own null modem RS232 host cable, be certain that the hosts TxD connects to the
readers RxD and the readers TxD connects to the hosts RxD.

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Step 3 Position Symbol and Scanner

Note: Code 39 is the default code type enabled. If you are uncertain as to your sym-
bology type, enable all codes by selecting the Auto Discriminate macro in Terminal
mode.
1. Set up a symbol at the scanning distance you are using in your application.1
(See Read Ranges on page A-3.)
2. Avoid bright light or IR light from other sources, including other scanners.
3. Pitch symbol or scanner slightly to avoid specular reflection, the return of direct,
non-diffused light.

Skew
Bar code axis
symbol
Tilt
axis

Scanner

Pitch
axis
Scan line

Figure 1-3 Symbol/Scanner Position

Note: If using an I 2/5 symbol, verify that the number of characters in the symbol being
scanned matches the symbol length enabled for the I 2/5 symbol type. (Default is 10 and 6.)
See Interleaved 2 of 5 on page 5-13.

1. Consult table A-1 and table A-2 on page A-3.

1-4 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Quick Start

Step 4 Install ESP

(ESP stands for Easy Setup Program.)
Once your scanner is connected to a host computer with Windows operating system
(XP or above), you can use ESP (Easy Setup Program) for configuration and control.

To install ESP from the Microscan Tools Drive:

Insert your Microscan Tools Drive into a USB port on your computer.
Click Setup.exe and follow the prompts.

To download ESP from the Web:

Go to www.microscan.com.
Click Setup.exe and follow the prompts.
At the end of the install process, copy a shortcut ESP icon onto your desktop.

Click the ESP icon to run the program.

Minimum System Requirements

233 MHz Pentium PC
Windows 8, 7, Vista, or XP operating system (32-bit or 64-bit)
Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
128 MB RAM or greater
160 MB free disk space
800 x 600 256 color display (1024 x 768 32-bit color recommended)

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Step 5 Select Reader Model

When you start the program, the following menu will appear.

Note: If you need to select another model later, you can find it in the App Mode under
Model on the menu bar.
1. Select MS-3 laser from the menu and click OK.
If you do not want to make this selection every time you load ESP, uncheck Show
this window at Startup.
2. Select the default name, for example MS-3 Laser-1, or type in a file name of
your choice and click OK.
3. Click Yes when the connect to the reader dialog appears.

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Chapter 1 Quick Start

Step 6 Autoconnect
1. In the Connecting to... dialog, if your communications port is not the default
COM1, use the pull down arrow to change your communications port.

2. Click the Start button.

When connected, the CONNECTED message will appear in a green box in the sta-
tus bar on the bottom right of the dialog.

3. If connection fails, enable a different Com port, check connections, and try again.

Tip: If you do not see either the CONNECTED or DISCONNECTED message at the bot-
tom of your dialog, try expanding the ESP window horizontally.
Important Note: When you connect to the reader, the readers settings will be loaded
into ESP.

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Step 7 Test for Read Rate

With this test you can learn the percentage of decodes per images captured by observ-
ing the LEDs (20% through 100%) on the top of the MS-3 which are active during a
read rate test. If the results are not satisfactory, move on to Calibrate the Reader
on page 1-9.

By ESP
After connecting to the scanner, ESP will open in Easy Setup Mode.
1. Click the EZ Button in Easy Setup Mode to begin the read rate test.

2. Follow the instructions in Easy Setup Mode screen.

3. To end the Read Rate test, click the Stop button.

By the EZ Button
EZ Button
1. Press and hold the EZ Button
on the MS-3 until you hear one

Laser
T ES T
beep and see o Read rate
ne LED momen-tarily turn performance

MS-3
100% GR
amber. This will signal the LEDs 80% ST
beginning
routine.1 of the read rate 60%

2. To end the read rate test press 40%

the EZ Button and quickly 20%

release. PWR

1 1- 0000 63-0 1

1. This assumes that the default functions of the EZ Button have not been re-programmed.

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Chapter 1 Quick Start

Step 8 Calibrate the Reader

If, after doing the read rate test, the results are not satisfactory, try the calibration rou-
tine.
During the calibration routine, the scanner attempts various settings to determine the
optimum decode rate for the given conditions. In this process it might do the following:
Adjust laser power Enable Autodiscrimination
Adjust mirror motor speed (read several symbol types)
Adjust AGC gain

The test will end automatically when the optimum combination of settings has been
achieved.

By ESP
Click the Calibrate button in Easy Setup Mode to begin the read rate test.

You can observe the progress of the calibration routine on the Calibration popup.
Note: You can also calibrate the scanner in the Calibration menu in the Apps Mode.

By the EZ Button
EZ Button
Press and hold the EZ Button
until you hear two beeps and see

LASER
TEST
two amber performance LEDs turn
amber to indicate that the calibra- Read rate MS-3
performance
100% GR
tion is in progress.
The scanner will beep once at the LEDs 80% ST
60%
end of calibration. 40%
20%
PWR

11-000063-01

Figure 1-4 Calibration

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MS-3 Laser E.book Page 10 Monday, August 30, 2004 11:09 AM

Step 9 Save Calibration Settings for Power-on

After calibrating the MS-3, you can save your new settings to be available on power-on.

By ESP
Caution: If you have settings in the scanner that you have not yet loaded into ESP, the
ESP settings will overwrite the scanners settings when you save. Under these condi-
tions, it is highly recommended that you first do Receive Reader Settings before you
save for power-on.
After testing and/or calibrating the scanner, you can save the settings for power-on by
clicking the Save button.

By the EZ Button EZ Button

Press and hold the EZ Button until

LASER
you hear three beeps and see three T ES T

performance LEDs momentarily turn Read rate

amber.1

MS-3
performance 100% GR

LEDs 80% ST
60%
40%
20%
PWR

1 1- 0000 63-0 1

Figure 1-5 Save Settings

1. This assumes that the default functions of the EZ Button have not been re-programmed.

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Chapter 1 Quick Start

Step 10 Configure the Reader

See the succeeding chapters and Appendices to see specific configuration command
explanations for both ESP and serial commands.

By ESP
To change reader settings, or to access the utilities or terminal window, click on the
App Mode button.

See Chapter 2, Using ESP.

By Serial Commands
From your terminal program or the terminal screen in ESP, you can enter serial string
commands and configuration and utility commands as described in this manual.
See Serial Configuration Commands on page A-13 and Summary of Utilities
Commands on page 11-3.
Note: You can learn the current setting of any parameter by inserting a question mark
after the number, as in <K100?> To see all K commands, send <K?>.

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Chapter Using ESP

2
Chapter Contents

Setup Mode .................................................................................................2-2

Application Mode .........................................................................................2-3
Pulldown Menus ..........................................................................................2-4
Connect Menu .............................................................................................2-9
View...........................................................................................................2-11
Navigating in ESP .....................................................................................2-12
Send/Receive Options...............................................................................2-13

This section is designed to help you understand the structure, elements, and application
of the ESP (Easy Setup Program).
When you start up ESP, unless otherwise specified, you will enter the Setup Mode for
initial setup. From there, you move easily into the App Mode (application mode) where
you can access several configuration and utilities menus.

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MS-3 Laser E.book Page 2 Monday, August 30, 2004 11:09 AM

Setup Mode

Setup Mode
In Setup Mode you are presented with the Test option and if appropriate for your
application, Calibration. After connecting to your scanner (or reader) the Setup Mode
will first appear. This will provide you with instructions specific to your model that will
help you in positioning, testing, and if appropriate, calibrating.

Test
Click the Test button to start the read rate test for a quick indication of the read capa-
bilities and the limits of your application. When Decodes per Second is unchecked,
the test will count the percentage of decodes relative to the number of actual scans.
Click Stop to end the test.

Calibrate
Some models include a calibration routine that will optimize reads by comparing read
rates at various settings in focal lengths, scan speeds, and gain settings.

Test button

Click here to change

from percentage of
good decodes to
decodes per second

Calibration is avail-
able on some models

Note: This view may be

slightly different for each
model.
Saves Calibration
results (if available)

Ends the read rate

test

On some models, clicking Auto Discriminate

will enable most available symbology types.

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Chapter 2 Using ESP

Application Mode
From Setup Mode, you can click on the App Mode button to access specific configura-
tion menus, utilities, and a terminal window where serial commands can be entered.

Note that the App Mode and Setup Mode buttons appear in the same position to allow
easy switching between these primary modes.
The icons on this Click here to open Click here to
toolbar are for operations a terminal window access read rate
and other utilities

Pulldown menus

Click this icon to

return to Easy
Setup mode

Click this icon to

return to this view
from Utilities or
Terminal

Click on icons in this

toolbar to access Note: This view may be
configuration menu slightly different for
trees to make spe- each model.
cific changes in con-
figuration

Note: For specific information on any of the icons shown above in the operations bar or
configuration bar, see specific chapters in this document.

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Pulldown Menus

Pulldown Menus
File

New
Whenever New is selected, the default configuration of
ESP is loaded.

Open/Save
When Save or Save As is selected, the ESP configura-
tion is saved to the host computers hard drive and
available whenever the same file is selected under
Open.
Important: When you save menu changes to your
hard drive, these changes are not saved to your reader.
Figure 2-1 shows how settings can be saved and
received between ESP and the reader and ESP and the
host hard drive.

Receive Reader Settings

ESP Reader
Save to Reader
File File
Save Open

Host hard
drive

Figure 2-1 How Settings are Saved

Import/Export
Import converts the ASCII settings from a text file to ESP configuration settings.
Export converts the active ESP configuration settings to an ASCII text file.

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Chapter 2 Using ESP

Model
In Model you can select between models. When you choose
another model, your current connection with your present model
will be terminated.
To connect to another model, select New Model, choose a new
model and click OK.
Note that all the models you have enabled by selecting will con-
tinue to appear in the Model menu and that the same menu is
repeated when clicking the Switch Model icon.

When you save your ESP file, you will be saving the settings of all the models defined in
a single ESP file.

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Pulldown Menus

Options
You can use the Options menu
save memos and set up ESP
Preferences.
Note: Preferences will be saved
and be loaded into ESP when
ESP is opened next, whether or
not you save the ESP file to the
computer.

Preferences
General tab
Reload Last File
At startup, reloads the last file
saved to the computer.
Show Model Prompt
At startup, remembers the last connected model and displays it in the Connecting...
dialog whenever you attempt to connect.
Skip Easy Mode
At startup, Skips the Easy Mode and opens directly in the application mode.
Show Connect Prompt
At startup, displays the Would you like to connect... prompt.
Receive After Connect
At startup, loads the readers settings into ESP. (This is not recommended if you want to
preserve your ESP settings for future use.)
Enable Send and Save as Factory Settings
At startup, enables the Send and Save as Factory option in the Send/Recv com-
mand.

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Chapter 2 Using ESP

Terminal tab
When Show Non-Printable
Characters is checked, charac-
ters such as CRLF will be dis-
played in the terminal window.
When Enhanced Format is
checked, the characters are dis-
played with more detailed for-
matting.
Change Keyboard Macros
In this dialog you can first select
the function key and then enter
your macro keystrokes in the
associated key map. For exam-
ple, to make Ctrl-F5 the key-
stroke to enable send a trigger
character, select F5, then in the
Ctrl row, enter <trigger character> and click OK. Then whenever the Ctrl-F5 key-
stroke is pressed, the trigger character will start the read cycle.
Change Font
Sets the font characteristics for the commands that you type in the terminal window.
Change Echo Font
Sets the font characteristics for text that is echoed back to the screen from the reader.
Toolbar Style
By user selection, displays toolbar buttons as icons, text only, or both (default).

Note: See also Chapter 14, Terminal Mode.

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Pulldown Menus
Bar Code Options tab
Sets up the sizing, font, and
caption parameters for the bar
codes that you can create and
print from the Bar Code
Options Dialog under View.
Sizing Information
Sets the bar height (in inches)
and bar widths (in thousands of
an inch) of the symbols. A bar
width of 13 is 0.013 inches.
Caption
Sets the characteristics of cap-
tion font and its placement in
relation to the bar code symbol.
Advanced tab
As indicated.

Document Memo
Whatever you type into the Document Memo will appear in a text box whenever your
cursor hovers over the Document Memo option.

Model Memo
Memos created in Model Memo are specific to the model enabled when the message
was created.

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Chapter 2 Using ESP

Connect Menu
Autoconnect
Generally Autoconnect will be the quickest way that ESP
can get connected to a reader. Autoconnect will try con-
necting at the most common communications settings and
step through the various settings until they match up with
the hosts settings.

Connect
When you select Connect, you will need to manually select the communications set-
tings from a popup dialog.

Configure Multidrop
To connect to the reader by Multidrop, you will need a multidrop concentrator such as
the MS-Connect 5100 and the required power supplies and cabling to communicate
with your scanner(s).
1. From the Communications drop down menu in
ESP, select Configure Multidrop to bring up the
Multidrop Settings dialog.
2. If necessary, change the default address to
match the address of your multidropped scanner
and click OK.
If the host serial port is not connected in ESP,
you will see the following popup message:
ESP is not currently connected to the multidrop
concentrator. Do you wish to establish a connec-
tion now?
3. Click Yes.
You will see a Serial Communication Parameters dialog as shown on the next
page.

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Connect Menu
4. Select the concentrators host port communications
settings.
When you click Connect, you will be connecting to
your concentrator, which can then relay commands to
the scanner whose address was set in the Multidrop
Settings dialog.
5. Click Connect.
6. You should see the CONNECTED message in green
at the bottom of the window along with the scanners
Multidrop address.

7. Do Retrieve Scanner Settings to upload scanners

configuration (Step 4). If upload fails, return to the
Serial Communication Parameters dialog and make the corrections.
8. Follow the same procedure for connecting other scanners to your
multidrop network.
Note: For more information, see the MS-Connect 5100 User Manual.

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Chapter 2 Using ESP

View
View indicates the current view (with a dot before the item)
and allows you to quickly move to other views which are also
accessed by clicking the icons on the toolbars.
It also allows you to access the Barcode Dialog.

Barcode Dialog
In the Barcode Dialog you can create bar code symbols by directly typing in the text bar
code text you want to appear in Code 128 bar code symbols. This is a very useful tool
for creating configuration symbols which allows you to configure your reader by reading
the bar code symbols you print out. To configure the size, text and caption parameters,
see Bar Code Options tab on page 2-8.

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Navigating in ESP

Navigating in ESP
To change reader settings, or to access the utilities or terminal window, click on the
App Mode button.

To return to the Easy Mode, click on the EZ Mode button.

To make changes to a configuration setting in the menu trees:

1. Left click on the + to

expand tree

2. Double click on parame-

ter and click once in selec-
tion box to view options.
3. Place your curser in the
selection box, scroll down
to the setting you want to
change and click once on
the setting.
4. Left click again on the 5. Right click on the open screen and select
open screen to complete Save to Reader to implement the command
the selection. in the reader.

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Chapter 2 Using ESP

Send/Receive Options
To access Receive, Save and Default options, click the Send/Recv
button: You can also access this selector by right-clicking in any of the
configuration views.

Receiving
From the Send/Recv selector, select Receive Reader Settings.
Caution: Do no select this option if you do not want to upload the readers settings. For
example, if your ESP file has a number of custom settings that you want to maintain
and download into the reader, these settings would be lost by choosing Yes.
This is useful if you want to receive (upload) the readers settings and save them as a
computer file for later retrieval. For example, if your reader has settings that you do not
want to change, choosing Yes would allow you to load those settings to ESP and save
as an ESP file for later retrieval.
Receiving the readers settings will also assure that you will not be subsequently saving
any unwanted changes that you or someone else previously made in ESP.
See Send/Receive Options on page 2-13 for more detail.

Saving
1. Send, No Save.
(same as <A>)
This saves ESP set-
tings to current
memory.
2. Send and Save.
(same as <Z>)
This activates all changes in current memory and saves to the reader for
power-on.
3. Send and Save as Customer Defaults.
(same as <Zc>)
(This option will be visible only if you had checked Enable Send and Save as
Customer Defaults in ESP Preferences in the Options menu.)
Use this to save your own set of default settings that you can quickly retrieve with
a <Zrc> command.
For more on defaulting and saving settings, see Defaulting/Saving/Resetting on
page A-20.

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Send/Receive Options

Defaulting
When you select Default Current... or Default all ESP... you are only defaulting the
ESP settings.

Advanced Options
Send Current View
This is the same as Save
to Reader, Send No Save
except that only the com-
mands in the current menu
tree are sent.
Send Current Command
This is the same as Send
Current View above, but
only saves the command
that is currently selected.
Add Exceptions
After you perform a Receive from Reader com-
mand1 and you click on the Add Exception option
you may see a list of serial commands that looks
like the example to the right. These are serial com-
mands that may be in your readers firmware, but
not included or different from your current ESP
software.
You can edit these commands by double-clicking on
them and changing as needed.
When exceptions are present, you can also access
them from an Exceptions button that will appear
on the Applications button bar.
It is important to note that these
commands will be saved to your reader whenever you do a Save to
Reader command or send an <A> or a <Z> command.
Also, if there is a corresponding ESP menu item, the ESP Value column
for that item will be blank following a Receive from Reader com-
mand.

1. From the Send/Recv button or right-clicking from within the tree menus.

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Chapter Communications
3
Chapter Contents
Communications by ESP.............................................................................3-2
Communications By Serial Command.........................................................3-2
Password Protection ...................................................................................3-3
RS-232/422 Host Port .................................................................................3-4
RS-232 Auxiliary Port ................................................................................3-11
Preamble ...................................................................................................3-20
Postamble .................................................................................................3-21
LRC Status ................................................................................................3-22
Intercharacter Delay ..................................................................................3-22

The ESP (Easy Setup Program), configuration changes can be made in the ESP
menus, then sent and saved to your reader. The user can also send serial commands to
the reader via the ESPs Terminal window.
This section includes connecting parameters and options for communicating by the aux-
iliary port and various interfaces.
Note: When assigning characters in user-defined fields, the characters NULL <> and ,
can only be entered through embedded menus, not through ESP or serial commands.
Note: You can learn the current setting of any parameter by inserting a question mark
after the number, as in <K100?>. To see all K commands, send <K?>.
Note: Default settings for establishing communications are:
Baud = 9600
Parity = Even
Stop Bits = One
Data Bits = Seven
Flow Control = None
Note: You can learn the current setting of any parameter by inserting a question mark
after the number, as in <K100?> To see all K commands, send <K?>.

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Communications by ESP

Communications by ESP

Click this button to bring up

the Communications menu.

To change a setting,
double-click the set-
ting and use your cur-
sor to scroll through
the options.

To open nested options,

single-click the +.

Note: You can learn the current setting of any parameter by inserting a question mark
after the number, as in <K100?> To see all K commands, send <K?>.

Communications By Serial Command

Command Title Format
Password Status <K732,status>
Password Entry, Change <K733password,new password>
Host Port Parameters <K100,baud,parity,stop bits,data bits>
Host Protocol <K140,protocol>
Host RS422 Status <K102,status>
<K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data
Aux Port Parameters
bits,daisy chain status,daisy chain ID>
Preamble <K141,preambole status,preamble>
Postamble <K142,postamble status,postamble>
LRC Status <K145,status>
Intercharacter Delay <K144,intercharacter delay>

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Chapter 3 Communications

Password Protection
Note: Password protection options are entered serially and are not available in ESP
menus.

Usage: Password Protection when enabled prevents the scanners parameters

from being modified but does not affect the flow of data from the scanner
or its response to read only commands.
Definition: Can require a password for any serial or menu command change.
Password From a terminal screen enter <K733 password>.
Entry: (Do not put a comma between K733 and the password.)
If you enter the password correctly, you will see the password echoed to the screen and
you will then be able to make changes to the scanners parameters.
Enter the password once and the scanners command protection is temporarily
unlocked until the scanner is turned off or reset. If a reset occurs then the password will
need to be entered again.

Password Status
Definition: If Password Status is set to Disabled, then no parameters are off lim-
its.
If Password Status is set to Enabled, then this option cannot be subse-
quently disabled until the password defined in <K733> is entered. This
parameter is non-volatile and will be included in any <Z> or <Zc>
parameter save.
Serial Cmd: <K732,status>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

New Password
Definition: To change the password from the current password, enter the current
password, a comma, and the new password. If successfully entered, the
new password will be displayed and the command change protection
temporarily removed.
Serial Cmd: <K733 password,new password>
Note: Follow this with a <Z> or <Zc> to save for power-on.
Default: MICRO
Options: Any ASCII string up to 8 characters.

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RS-232/422 Host Port

RS-232/422 Host Port

Host Port Connections

Baud Rate (host port)

Usage: Can be used to transfer data faster or to match host port settings.
Definition: The rate at which the reader and host transfer data back and forth.
Serial Cmd: <K100,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits>
Default: 9600
Options: 0 = 600 3 = 4800 6 = 38.4 K
1 = 1200 4 = 9600 7 = 57.6 K
2 = 2400 5 = 19.2 K 8 = 115.2 K

Parity (host port)

Usage: Only changed if necessary to match host setting.
Definition: An error detection routine in which one data bit in each character is set to
1 or 0 so that the total number of 1 bits in the data field is even or odd.
Serial Cmd: <K100,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits>
Default: Even
Options: 0 = None 1 = Even 2 = Odd

Stop Bits (host port)

Usage: Only changed if necessary to match host setting.
Definition: One or two bits added to the end of each character to indicate the end of
the character.
Serial Cmd: <K100,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits>
Default: One
Options: 0 = One 1 = Two

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Chapter 3 Communications

Data Bits (host port)

Usage: Only changed if necessary to match host setting.
Definition: Number of bits in each character.
Serial Cmd: <K100,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits>
Default: Seven
Options: 0 = Seven 1 = Eight

Host Port Protocol

Usage: In general, the point-to-point protocols will work well in most applica-
tions. They require no address and must use RS-232 or RS-422 commu-
nications standards.
Definition: Protocols define the sequence and format in which information is trans-
ferred between the scanner and the host, or in the case of Multidrop,
between scanners and a concentrator.
Serial Cmd: <K140,protocol>
Default: Point-to-Point
Options: 0 = Point-to-Point 4 = Polling Mode D
1 = Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS 5 = Multidrop
2 = Point-to-Point with XON/XOFF 6 = User Defined
3 = Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS & 7 = User Defined Multidrop
XON/XOFF
If selecting one of the options from 0 to 4 (Point-to-Point, Point-to-
Point with RTS/CTS, Point-to-Point with XON/XOFF, Point-to-
Point with RTS/CTS and XON/XOFF, or Polling Mode D), use the
<K140,protocol> format.
Option 5 through 7 are special cases and discussed later in this section.

Point-to-Point (standard)
Usage: Used only with RS232 or RS422.
Definition: Standard Point-to-Point requires no address and sends data to the host
whenever it is available, without any request or handshake from the host.
Serial Cmd: <K140,0>

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RS-232/422 Host Port

Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS

Usage: A reader initiates a data transfer with an RTS (request-to-send) transmis-
sion. The host, when ready, responds with a CTS (clear-to-send) and the
data is transmitted. CTS and RTS signals are transmitted over two dedi-
cated wires as defined in the RS-232 standard.
Used only with RS232.
Definition: Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS (request-to-send/clear-to-send) is a
simple hardware handshaking protocol that allows a reader to initiate
data transfers to the host.
Serial Cmd: <K140,1>

Point-to-Point with XON/XOFF (Transmitter On/Off)

Usage: If an XOFF has been received from the host, data will not be sent to the
host until the host sends an XON. During the XOFF phase, the host is free
to carry on other chores and accept data from other devices.
Used only with RS232.
Definition: This option enables the host to send the XON and XOFF command as a
single byte transmission command of start (^Q) or stop (^S).
Serial Cmd: <K140,2>

Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS & XON/XOFF

Usage: Used only with RS232.
Definition: This option is a combination of Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS and
Point-to-Point with XON/XOFF.
Serial Cmd: <K140,3>

Polling Mode D
Usage: When in Polling Mode D, an address of 1 is automatically displayed on
the configuration screen. However, during transmission, a 1C hex poll
address (FS) and a 1D hex select address (GS) are substituted for the 1.
Definition: Like Point-to-Point, Polling Mode D requires a dedicated connection to
the host; but unlike Point-to-Point, it requires an address and must
wait for a poll from the host before sending data.
Serial Cmd: <K140,4>

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Chapter 3 Communications

Multidrop
See also Quick Start Help for Multidrop setup.

Usage: The MS-Connect 5100 can be used as a concentrator to a single host

port connection.
When Multidrop is selected, the protocol characters for RES, REQ, etc.
are assigned automatically.
Definition: Multidrop allows up to 50 devices to be connected to a single RS485
host, with the scanner assigned an unique address (from 01 to 50).
Multidrop Each address has its own separate poll and select address (from 1C to 7F
Addresses: hex).
Options: 01 through 50
Serial Cmd: If selecting Multidrop fan address must be defined and appended to the
command string.
Format: <K100,5,address[01 to 50]>
Note: Scanners linking up to a Microscan MS-Connect 5100 multidrop
concentrator must be configured in standard multidrop protocol.

User Defined Point-to-Point

Usage: Useful for developing custom protocols in polled or unpolled mode.
Definition: User Defined Point-to-Point allows the user to customize the point-to-
point protocol.
Serial Cmd: <K140,6,RES,address,REQ,EOT,STX,ETX,ACK,NAK,from host>

User Defined Address

Definition: User Defined is considered to be in a polled mode only if an address has
been assigned.
Serial Cmd: <K140,6,RES,address,REQ,EOT,STX,ETX,ACK,NAK,from host>
Default: No address
Options: Any ASCII character except a null.
User Defined Example
Definition: Example: ACK/NAK protocol can be configured using User Defined. The
scanner will transmit data to the host when an ACK is received. If a NAK
or response timeout occurs, the scanner will re-send the data to the host
up to 3 more times before aborting.
Tip: To use User Defined Point-to-Point, first select Point-to-Point
<K100,0> and then User Defined <K100,6>.
Example: To select an unpolled ACK/NAK User Defined protocol with
LRC disabled, send <K100,0><K100,6,,,,,,,^F,^U><Kc0>. ACK and
NAK will be displayed in the menu.

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RS-232/422 Host Port

Serial Cmd: <K140,6,RES,address,REQ,EOT,STX,ETX,ACK,NAK,from host>

Default: No assignment
Options: Any ASCII character except a null. Control characters can be used to
define RES through NAK in serial commands.

From Host
Definition: This option allows the handshaking protocol to be initiated from the host,
if not configured in an unpolled mode. Messages sent to the host will
include the scanners defined protocol. The status of From Host deter-
mines if messages sent from the host to the scanner must include the
defined protocol. If From Host is disabled, the defined protocol is not
included. If From Host is enabled, the defined protocol must be
included.
Serial Cmd: <K140,6,RES,address,REQ,EOT,STX,ETX,ACK,NAK,from host>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

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Chapter 3 Communications

User Defined Multidrop

Note: Any ASCII character except a null (00) and a ^A (01) can be assigned as an
address. Control characters can be used to define RES through NAK in serial com-
mands. Communication Protocol Commands on page A-11.

Usage: This option is used when connecting to a concentrator or other device

that does not match standard multidrop protocol.
If selecting User Defined Multidrop (7), complete the format by either
choosing new parameters or place commas where unchanged data fields
occur.
Definition: User Defined Multidrop allows the user to customize the polling proto-
col.
Serial Cmd: <K140,7,RES,address,REQ,EOT,STX,ETX,ACK,NAK>
For User Defined Multidrop, first select Multidrop <K140,5>, then
User Defined Multidrop <K140,7...>.
Address: Any single character (02 hex to 7E hex) in the ASCII table can be
assigned as the address character. The character chosen is used as the
poll character and the subsequent ASCII character becomes the select
character. For example, if a ^B (02 hex) is selected as the address, ^C
(03 hex) becomes the select address that the host will use in sending
host select commands.
Note: Definitions of commands in User Defined and User Defined Multidrop must
be duplicated in host applications to enable poll and select sequences to execute cor-
rectly during transmission.
Note: Typically, parameters in User Defined Multidrop are defined by first enabling
Multidrop, then enabling User Defined Multidrop. This pre-loads multidrop charac-
ters into the parameters. Then changes are made to individual characters to match the
host or other requirements.

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RS-232/422 Host Port

Host RS-232/422 Status

Used only in Point-to-Point protocol, and not with RTS/CTS.

Usage: Only changed if necessary to match host setting.

Definition: Enables RS422. When RS422 is enabled, RS232 is disabled.
Serial Cmd: <K102,status>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled
Whenever RS422 is disabled, RS232 is enabled in the background. However, when Mul-
tidrop is enabled, the functioning protocol is RS485 regardless of the displayed status
of RS422. Before enabling RS422, first double-check that Multidrop is not enabled.

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Chapter 3 Communications

RS-232 Auxiliary Port

Note: The aux port cannot be used when the host port is set to RS422 or Multidrop.
As with the host port parameters, the auxiliary terminals settings (baud rate, parity,
stop bits, and data bits) must be identical with those of the auxiliary device.

Usage: These commands set the communication parameters with the auxiliary
port which can be used to configure menus, send data to the host, dis-
play data transmissions originating from the host of the scanner, and
relay data from other scanners set in tandem (daisy chained). If the
scanners host port needs to be dedicated to the host, but configuration
must be done on the fly, the auxiliary port can be set to accept configura-
tion changes by Command Processing (page 3-17).
Definition: An auxiliary port connects the scanner to a remote display or to other
scanners that can display or transfer data.

Aux Port Connections

As with the host port parameters, the auxiliary terminals settings (baud rate, parity,
stop bits, and data bits) must be identical with those of the auxiliary device.

Baud Rate, Aux Port

Usage: Can be used to transfer data faster or match an auxiliary device.
Definition: The rate at which the scanner and host transfer data back and forth.
Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain
ID status,daisy chain ID>
Default: 9600
Options: 0 = 600 3 = 4800 6 = 38.4 K
1 = 1200 4 = 9600 7 = 57.6 K
2 = 2400 5 = 19.2 K 8 = 115.2 K

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RS-232 Auxiliary Port

Parity, Aux Port

Usage: Only changed if necessary to match host setting.
Definition: An error detection routine in which one data bit in each character is set to
1 or 0 so that the total number of 1 bits in the data field is even or odd.
Default: Even
Options: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain
ID status,daisy chain ID>
Serial Cmd: 0 = None 1 = Even 2 = Odd

Stop Bits, Aux Port

Usage: Only changed if necessary to match host setting.
Definition: Allows the user to select the last one or two bits in each character to indi-
cate the end of the character.
Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain
ID status,daisy chain ID>
Default: One
Options: 0 = One 1 = Two

Data Bits, Aux Port

Usage: Only changed if necessary to match host setting.
Definition: Number of bits in each character.
Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain
ID status,daisy chain ID>
Default: Seven
Options: 0 = Seven 1 = Eight

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Chapter 3 Communications

Auxiliary Port Mode

Definition: Determines the flow of data between the auxiliary port device(s), the
scanner, and the host.
Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain
ID status,daisy chain ID>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Transparent
2 = Half duplex 3 = Full duplex
4 = Daisy chain 5 = Command Processing

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RS-232 Auxiliary Port

Transparent Mode
Usage: A common application, in conjunction with handheld scanners, is one that
employs an auxiliary readout to detect mis-applied bar code symbols.
Definition: In Transparent mode data is passed between the auxiliary port and the
host. The scanner buffers data from the auxiliary port and echoes the
keyed data on the auxiliary port.
Data initiated from the Auxiliary Port
Auxiliary port data is passed through to the host whenever a return
key is pressed at the auxiliary port or symbol data is sent.
Whenever aux port data is sent with symbol
data, the aux port data will appear between the Host Aux
preamble and the symbol data. Port

Auxiliary port data to the host is always sent

with a preamble and a postamble.
If the scanner is in a polled mode to the host, Scanner
auxiliary port data will NOT pass through.
<D> is the only command accepted by the
scanner from the auxiliary port. All other commands will pass through
to the host.
Data initiated from the Scanner
Transmission to the auxiliary port occurs imme-
diately upon a good read. Host Aux
Port
Scan data to the auxiliary port does not include
a preamble or a postamble.
Communications with the auxiliary port is
always in Point-to-Point protocol, even if the Scanner
host is in a polled protocol mode.
Data initiated from the Host
Host Aux
All host data is echoed to the auxiliary port in Port
unpolled and polled mode.

Scanner

Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain

ID status,daisy chain ID>
1 = Transparent

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Chapter 3 Communications

Half Duplex Mode

Usage: Useful when the user wants symbol data displayed on an auxiliary screen
close to the scanner.
Definition: In Half Duplex mode all auxiliary port data and symbol data is sent
directly to the host. Symbol data is displayed on the auxiliary port screen
at the same time the data is sent to the host.
Data initiated from the Auxiliary Port
Auxiliary port data to the host is ignored if the
scanner is in a polled mode. Host Aux
Port
Auxiliary port data or scanned data is sent to
the host whenever it is received.
Auxiliary port data is not echoed.
Scanner
Auxiliary port data to the host is always sent
without a preamble or a postamble.
<D> is the only command that is accepted by the scanner from the
auxiliary port. All other commands are passed through to the host.
Data initiated from the Scanner
Scan data is transmitted to the auxiliary port at
the same time it is transmitted to the host. Host Aux
Port
Data transmission conforms with all parameters
specified in the configuration menu (e.g., Pre-
amble, Postamble, End of Read Cycle).
Data is initiated from the Host Scanner

All host data is echoed to the auxiliary port in

unpolled mode. Host Aux
Port

Scanner

Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain

ID status,daisy chain ID>
2 = Half Duplex

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RS-232 Auxiliary Port

Full Duplex Mode

Usage: When communication to and from the auxiliary port is required.
Definition: In Full Duplex mode all auxiliary port data and symbol data is sent
directly to the host. Symbol data is not displayed on the auxiliary port
screen.
Data initiated from the Auxiliary Port
Aux
Auxiliary port data to the host is ignored if the Host
Port
scanner is in a polled mode.
Auxiliary port data or scanned data is sent to
the host whenever it is received.
Scanner
Auxiliary port data is not echoed.
Auxiliary port data to the host is always sent
without a preamble or a postamble.
<D> is the only command that is accepted by the scanner from the
auxiliary port. All other commands are passed through to the host.
Data initiated from the Scanner
Aux
Scan data is not sent to the auxiliary port. Host
Port

Scanner

Data initiated from the Host

Host Aux
All host data is echoed to the auxiliary port in Port
unpolled mode.

Scanner

Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain

ID status,daisy chain ID>
3 = Full duplex

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Chapter 3 Communications

Daisy Chain Mode

Usage: Useful in applications where:
A symbol might be scanned in both ladder and picket fence directions.
A symbol may be present on multiple sides of a package.
Symbols are presented at different depths.
Definition: In a daisy chain application, scanners are connected in tandem or daisy
chain and decoded data is relayed from one scanner to another on up to
the host.
A master scanner has its host port linked to the host computer and its
auxiliary port linked to the host port of the first slave scanner in the
chain. Thereafter, each slaves auxiliary port is linked to the host port of
the slave that is further from the host in the daisy chain.
Each scanner in the daisy chain can be assigned an ID that accompanies
any data that it sends.
Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain
ID status,daisy chain ID>
Options: 4 = Daisy chain
Function: Before the master scanner times out, it checks its auxiliary port for data.
It should be set to wait at least 20 mS for each slave in the daisy chain.
(See Read Cycle Timeout on page 4-15.) If no data is received
within the read cycle timeout, the master sends a noread message to the
host. Otherwise the complete data is sent.
If for example a master scanner is set to timeout in 120 mS, the first
slave scanner might be set to 100 mS, the next to 80 mS, and so forth,
thus assuring that at least 20 mS elapses between transmissions.a
Daisy-chained scanners can send a series of symbols by enabling Multi-
symbol and a common multisymbol separator. If the master scanner
does not receive the expected number of symbols, noread messages are
appended to the data string to make up the difference between the num-
ber of symbols enabled in Multisymbol and the number of symbols read.
For example, a master and two slaves have Number of Symbols set to
3 and Multisymbol Separator defined as %. If the master and the first
slave do not find symbols, but the next slave scanner registers a good
read, the transmitted results will be: symbol data % noread % noread.
a. The above example is based on the best case. Other factors such as baud rate, dynamic focus timing,
number of characters in a given symbol, and the number of slaves in the daisy chain can affect tim-
ing and may need to be included in your calculations for complete accuracy.

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RS-232 Auxiliary Port

Conditions: The conditions for a daisy chain application are as follows:

1. The master scanners trigger must be Serial or
External; the slave scanners triggers are con- Host Slave
figured for Serial.
2. All scanners are enabled to Daisy Chain mode.
3. Each scanners auxiliary port must be connected
to the Host port of its slave scanner. Master

4. Each slave scanner in the daisy chain must be

set to send its data no less than 20 mS before its preceding scanner.
5. All but the master scanner must have Postamble enabled and set
to CR (^M) only.
6. All but the master scanner must have their noread messages dis-
abled.
7. If Multisymbol is enabled, Multisymbol Separator characters
must match in all scanners and Number of Symbols must be set
to number large enough to include all the symbols it may itself read
plus the number of symbols that it will be expected to relay to the
host or the next scanner up the line.
8. Symbology ID enable/disable must be the same in all scanners.
9. All but the master scanner must have their diagnostic warning mes-
sages disabled.
10. Daisy Chain ID Status enable/disable and the number of charac-
ters in Daisy Chain ID must be the same in all scanners.

Command Processing Mode

Usage: Allows user to send configuration from the Host port or the AUX port.
Definition: When enabled, Command Processing allows commands to be entered
via the aux port. The following rules apply:
1. Bar code data, including the serial trigger if used, will be transmit-
ted to the last port from which a command was sent.
2. If a reset occurs, all data will be transmitted to the host port.
Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain
ID status,daisy chain ID>
Options: 5 = Command Processing

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Chapter 3 Communications

Daisy Chain ID Status

Usage: Used in a daisy chain setup in cases where the host needs to know which
scanner in a daisy chain setup sent the data.
Definition: Each scanner in a daisy chain can be assigned a one or two character ID
that will appear in front of decoded data and identify its source.
Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain
ID status,daisy chain ID>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled
Note: Enable/disable and length must be the same in all scanners.

Daisy Chain ID
Usage: Used in a daisy chain setup in cases where the host needs to know which
scanner sent the data.
Definition: A one or two character prefix which identifies the particular daisy chain
scanner from which the data is being sent.
Serial Cmd: <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain ID
status,daisy chain ID>
Default: 1/
Options: Any one or two ASCII characters.

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Preamble

Preamble
Preamble Status
Usage: Useful for identifying and controlling incoming data. For example, defin-
ing the preamble as a carriage return and a line feed causes each
decoded message to be displayed of on its own line.
Definition: Defines a one to four character data string that can be added to the front
of the decoded data.
Serial Cmd: <K141,preamble status,preamble character(s)>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled (within any protocol)

Preamble Characters
Serial Cmd: <K141,preamble status,preamble characters>
Default: ^M corresponds to: carriage return/null/null/null.
Options: Up to four user-defined ASCII characters, including control characters.

Within a Serial Command.

To enter control characters within a serial command, hold down the control key while
typing the desired character.
Example: <K141,1,CNTL-m> to enter ^M.

Within an Embedded Menu

Control characters entered on the command line are displayed in the menu as mne-
monic characters, such as: <CR><NUL><NUL><NUL>.
To enter a control character from within an embedded menu, first type in a space (with
the space key). This has the effect of allowing the control key to be recognized as a part
of the control character. Next hold down the control key while typing the desired char-
acter.
Example: Space CNTL-m to enter ^M.

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Chapter 3 Communications

Postamble
Postamble Status
Usage: Useful for identifying and controlling incoming data. For example, defin-
ing the postamble as a carriage return and a line feed causes each
decoded message to be displayed of on its own line.
Definition: Defines a one to four character data string that can be added to the end
of the decoded data.
Serial Cmd: <K142,status,postamble character(s)>
Default: Enabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled (within any protocol)

Postamble Characters
Serial Cmd: <K142, status,postamble characters>
Default: ^M^J. Corresponds to carriage return/line feed/null/null, as displayed in
the menu.
Options: Up to four user-defined ASCII characters, including control characters.

Within a Serial Command

To enter control characters within a serial command, hold down the control key while
typing the desired character.
Example: <K142,CNTL-m CNTL-j> to enter ^M^J.

Within an Embedded Menu

Control characters entered on the command line are displayed in the menu as mne-
monic characters, such as: <CR><LF><NUL><NUL>
To enter a control character from within an embedded menu, first type in a space (with
the space key). This has the effect of allowing the control key to be recognized as a part
of the control character. Next hold down the control key while typing the desired char-
acter.
Example: Space CNTL-m Space CNTL-j to enter ^M^J.

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LRC Status

LRC Status
(Longitudinal Redundancy Check)

Usage: Used when extra data integrity is required.

Definition: An error-checking routine that verifies the accuracy of transmissions. It is
the exclusive OR of all characters following the STX (start of text) up to
and including the ETX (end of text). What this means is that the binary
representation of all the characters in a transmissions are cumulatively
added in a column and each resulting odd integer is assigned a 1 and
each even integer a 0 (two 1s = 0, two 0s = 0, a 1 and a 0 = 1). The
extra LRC character is then appended to the transmission and the
receiver (usually the host) performs the same addition and compares the
results.
Serial Cmd: <K145,LRC status>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Intercharacter Delay
Usage: Used only when a host cannot receive data quickly enough and there is
enough time between symbols to allow data to be completely transferred.
It is rarely used since any setting other than zero will slow down commu-
nications. For example, a 200 setting will result in a 1/5 second delay
between each character that is transmitted.
Definition: The time interval in milliseconds between individual characters transmit-
ted from the scanner to the host.
Serial Cmd: <K144,intercharacter delay>
Default: 0
Options: 0 to 255 (in milliseconds). Zero (0) causes no delay between
characters.

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 4 Read Cycle
Contents
Read Cycle by ESP ...................................................................................................................... 4-2
Read Cycle by Serial Command ................................................................................................. 4-2
Multisymbol................................................................................................................................... 4-3
Number of Symbols ...................................................................................................................... 4-4
Trigger .......................................................................................................................................... 4-6
Serial Trigger .............................................................................................................................. 4-12
End of Read Cycle...................................................................................................................... 4-14
Decodes Before Output .............................................................................................................. 4-16
Scanner Setup............................................................................................................................ 4-17
Laser Setup ................................................................................................................................ 4-21

After youve established communications and completed basic read rate testing, you will
need to address the spatial and timing parameters associated with your application. In a
typical operation a bar coded item moves along a line past a scanner. A trigger or timer
activates a read cycle during which the scanner actively searches for symbols. You will
need to decide how to initiate the read cycle and how and when to end it.
Note: When assigning characters in user-defined fields, the characters NULL <> and , can
only be entered through embedded menus, not through ESP or serial commands.
Note: You can learn the current setting of any parameter by inserting a question mark after
the number, as in <K100?>. To see all K commands, send <K?>.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 4-1

Read Cycle by ESP

Read Cycle by ESP

Click this Button to bring up

the Read Cycle/Triggering
menu.

To open nested options,

single-click the +.

To change a setting,
double-click the
setting and use your
cursor to scroll
through the options.

Read Cycle by Serial Command

Command Title Format
Multisymbol <K222,number of symbols,multisymbol separator>
Trigger Mode <K200,trigger mode,trigger filter duration>
External Trigger State <K202,external trigger state>
Serial Trigger Character <K201,serial trigger character>
Start Serial Trigger Character <K229,start trigger character>
End Serial Trigger Character <K230,end trigger character>
End of Read Cycle <K220,end of read cycle,read cycle timeout>
Decodes Before Output <K221,number before output,decodes before output mode>
Automatic Gain Control <K504, gain level,AGC sampling mode,AGC min,AGC max>
Scan Speed <K500,scan speed>
Symbol Detect/Transition <K505,symbol detect status,transition counter>
Maximum Element <K502,maximum element>
Scan Width Enhance <K511,scan width enhance>
<K700, laser on/off status,laser framing status,laser on position,
Laser Controls
laser off position,laser power>

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 Read Cycle

Multisymbol
Usage: Commonly used in shipping applications where a shipping symbol contains
individual symbols for part number, quantity, etc. This feature allows one
trigger to pick up all the symbols. AIAG and UCC/EAN-128 are two application
standards that address this need.
Definition: Allows the user to set up conditions that will allow more than one symbol to
be decoded and output.
Conditions The following conditions apply:
1. All noread messages are posted at the end of the data string.
2. If more than one symbol is within the scan beam at the same time,
symbol data may not be displayed in the order of appearance.
3. If Matchcode Type is set to Sequential or if Trigger is set to Continuous
Read 1 Output, Number of Symbols will default to 1 (if set to any number
greater than 1).
4. The maximum number of characters in any one bar code (other than
PDF417) is 64.
5. The maximum number of characters in a single scan line is 102 (Code
39).
6. The maximum number of characters for all symbols is 392, including
preamble, separators, and LRC.

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Number of Symbols

Number of Symbols
Definition: Number of Symbols allows the user to define up to 6 symbols that can be
read in a single read cycle.
Serial Cmd: <K222,number of symbols,multisymbol separator>
Default: 1
Options 1 to 6

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 Read Cycle

Multisymbol Separator
Usage: Used to delimit or separate data fields with a user defined character.
Definition: The character thats inserted between each symbol scanned when Multi-
symbol is set to any number greater than 1.
ESP: To select a new multisymbol separator, double-click on Separator and
select a character in the popup window.
Serial Cmd: <K222,number of symbols,multisymbol separator>
Note: If Multisymbol Separator has been changed to any character other
than the default comma and you wish to re-define the separator as a
comma, use ESP or the embedded menu.
Default: , (comma)
Options: Any available ASCII character, except < > NUL.

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Trigger

Trigger
Trigger Mode
Definition: The type of trigger event that will initiate the read cycle.
Serial Cmd: <K200,trigger mode,trigger filter duration>
Default: Continuous Read
Options: 0 = Continuous Read 3 = External Edge
1 = Continuous Read 1 Output 4 = Serial Data
2 = External Level 5 = Serial Data & External Edge

Continuous Read
Usage: Continuous Read is useful in testing symbol readability or scanner func-
tions. It is not recommended for normal operations.
Definition: In Continuous Read, trigger input options are disabled, the scanner is
always in the read cycle, and it will attempt to decode and output every
scan crossing a symbol.When To Output and Noread options have no
affect on Continuous Read.
Serial Cmd: <K200,0>

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 Read Cycle
Continuous Read 1 Output
Usage: Continuous Read 1 Output can be useful in applications where it is not
feasible to use a trigger and all succeeding symbols contain different infor-
mation. It is also effective in applications where the objects are hand-pre-
sented.
Definition: In Continuous Read 1 Output the scanner self-triggers whenever it
decodes a new symbol or a timeout occurs.
If End Of Read Cycle is set to Timeout and the symbol doesn't change,
the scanner will repeat the output at the end of each timeout period. For
example, if Timeout is set to one second, the scanner sends the symbol
data immediately and repeats the output at intervals of one second for as
long as the symbol continues to be scanned.
If End Of Read Cycle is set to New Trigger, the scanner will send the cur-
rent symbol data immediately, but send it only once. A new symbol appear-
ing in the scanners range will be read and sent immediately provided it is
not identical to the previous symbol read.
Serial Cmd: <K200,1>
Caution: In automated environments, Continuous Read 1 Output is not recommended
because there is no one to verify that a symbol was missed.
Note: If Trigger is set to Continuous Read 1 Output, Number of Symbols will default
back to 1 (if set to any number greater than 1).

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Trigger
External Trigger Level
Usage: This mode is effective in an application where the speeds of the conveying
apparatus are variable and the time the scanner spends scanning each
object is not predictable. It also allows the user to determine if a noread has
occurred.

Positive
1 Initiate Read Cycle:
Object # 1, moving in front of the
detector beam, causes a change in
0
the trigger state, initiating the read
Object cycle. Associated waveforms assume
detector External Trigger State is set
End Read Cycle: to Positive.
The same object, moving out
1 of the detector beam, causes Positive
another change in the trigger
Object state, ending the read cycle.
detector 0

Trigger Level

Definition: External Level allows the read cycle to begin when a trigger (change of
state) from an external sensing device is received. The read cycle endures
until the object moves out of the sensor range and the active trigger state
changes again.
Serial Cmd: <K200,2>
Important: Level and Edge apply to the active logic state (Positive or Negative) that
exists while the object is in a read cycle, between the rising edge and falling edge. Rising
edge is the trigger signal associated with the appearance of an object. Falling edge is the
trigger signal associated with the subsequent disappearance of the object.

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 Read Cycle
External Trigger Edge
Usage: This mode is highly recommended in any application where conveying
speed is constant or if spacing, object size, or timeouts are consistent.
Definition: External Trigger Edge, as with Level, allows the read cycle to begin when
a trigger (change of state) from an external sensing device is received.
However, the passing of an object out of sensor range does not end the
read cycle. The read cycle ends with a good read output or, depending on
End of Read Cycle setting, a timeout or new trigger occurs.

Initiate Read Cycle:

1 Object # 1, moving in front of the detector Active
beam, causes a change in the trigger
state, initiating the read cycle.
0
Object
Initiate Second Read Cycle: Associated waveforms
detector Object # 2, moving in front of the assume External State is
detector beam, causes another set to Positive.
change in the trigger state. This sig-
2 nal initiates a new read cycle and Active
ends the previous read cycle unless
Timeout is enabled and a good read
Object or timeout has not occurred. 0
detector

Trigger Edge

Serial Cmd: <K200,3>

Important: Level and Edge apply to the active logic state (Positive or Negative) that
exists while the object is in a read cycle, between the rising edge and falling edge. Rising
edge is the trigger signal associated with the appearance of an object. Falling edge is the
trigger signal associated with the subsequent disappearance of the object.
Important: Level and Edge apply to the active logic state (Positive or Negative) that
exists while the object is in a read cycle, between the rising edge and falling edge. Rising
edge is the trigger signal associated with the appearance of an object. Falling edge is the
trigger signal associated with the subsequent disappearance of the object.

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Trigger
Serial Data
Usage: Highly recommended in any application where conveying speed is constant
or if spacing, object size, or timeouts are consistent.
Definition: In Serial Data, the scanner accepts an ASCII character from the host or
controlling device as a trigger to start a read cycle. A Serial Data trigger
behaves the same as an External Edge trigger.
Serial Cmd: <K200,4>

Serial Data or External Edge

Usage: Serial Data or External Edge is seldom used but can be useful in an appli-
cation that primarily uses an external sensing device but occasionally
needs to be manually triggered. An auxiliary terminal can be connected to
the aux port so the user can send the serial trigger character through the
scanner to the host.
Definition: In this mode the scanner accepts either a serial ASCII character or an
external trigger pulse to start the read cycle.
Serial Cmd: <K200,5>

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 Read Cycle

Trigger Filter Duration

Usage: Trigger Filter Duration is useful where trigger bounce could cause false
triggers.
Definition: Trigger Filter Duration can prevent trigger bounce from falsely triggering
the scanner by limiting the time in which trigger pulses can be received.
Serial Cmd: <K200,trigger mode,trigger filter duration>
Default: 244 (0.0099796 seconds)
Options: 0.0000818 to 2.6803815 seconds

External Trigger State

Note: External Level, External Edge, or Serial Data or Edge trigger mode must be
enabled for External Trigger to take effect.

Usage: Users can select the trigger polarity that will operate with their systems.
Definition: Determines whether a positive or negative transition will initiate the read
cycle.
Serial Cmd: <K202,external trigger state>
Default: Positive
Options: 0 = Negative 1 = Positive

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Serial Trigger

Serial Trigger
Usage: Allows the user to define the trigger character that initiates the read cycle.
Definition: An on-line host command composed of a single ASCII host serial trigger
character that initiates or ends the read cycle.
Trigger characters are of two types: delimited and non-delimited. A delimited
character is entered within angle brackets delimiters < >.
A non-delimited trigger character is one that either starts or ends the read
cycle and is NOT enclosed by delimiters such as < >.

Serial Trigger Character

Usage: Useful in applications where a single serial character enclosed in angle
brackets initiates the read cycle.
Definition: A trigger character is one that starts the read cycle, is enclosed by delimiters
< > and can only be sent when the trigger mode is set to Serial Data or
Serial Data & Edge.
Serial Cmd: <K201,serial trigger character>
Default: GS (corresponds to ^] displayed in the embedded menu)
Options: A single ASCII character, including control characters.
Note: The following characters cannot be used as serial trigger characters: NUL
(0x00), an existing host command character, or an online protocol character.
Note: Serial Data or Serial Data & Edge triggering mode must be enabled for Serial
Trigger Character to take effect.

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 Read Cycle

Non-delimited Start and Stop Characters

Note: If the serial trigger is set to an existing command, it will override the command. The
command will no longer be valid. For example, if the serial trigger is <Z>, parameters will
no longer be saved, but when the save command is sent (<Z>), the scanner will trigger.
Note: In multidrop and user-defined protocols, the start and stop characters must be
delimited.
Both Start and Stop non-delimited characters can be defined and will function according
to the trigger event, as follows:
When defining Start and Stop trigger characters, the following rules apply:
In External Edge the scanner looks only for the Start Trigger Character and ignores
any Stop Trigger Character that may be defined.
In External Level, the Start Trigger Character begins the read cycle and Stop Trigger
Character ends it. Note that even after a symbol has been decoded and the symbol
data transmitted, the scanner remains in External Level trigger read cycle until a Stop
character is received.
In Serial Data & Edge trigger mode, either a Start Trigger Character or a hardware
trigger can start an Edge trigger read cycle.

Start Character (non-delimited)

Usage: It is useful in applications where different characters are required to start
and end a read cycle.
Definition: A single ASCII host serial trigger character that starts the read cycle and is
not enclosed by delimiters such as < and >.
Serial Cmd: <K229,start trigger character>
Default: Null (disabled)
Options: Two hex digits representing an ASCII character except <, >, XON and
XOFF.

Stop Character (non-delimited)

Usage: It is useful in applications where different characters are required to start
and end a read cycle.
Definition: A single ASCII host serial trigger character that ends the read cycle and is
not enclosed by delimiters such as < and >.
Serial Cmd: <K230,stop trigger character>
Default: Null (disabled)
Options: Two hex digits representing an ASCII character except <, >, XON and XOFF.
See Appendix E, "ASCII Table", for ASCII character information.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 4-13

End of Read Cycle

End of Read Cycle

Note: When to Output must be set to End of Read Cycle before this command can be
active.

Definition: The read cycle is the time during which the scanner will attempt to read and
decode a symbol. At the end of a read cycle the scanner stops reading
symbols and sends the symbol data or noread message to the host.

End of Read Cycle Mode

Definition: A read cycle can be terminated by a new trigger, a timeout, or a combina-
tion of both.
Serial Cmd: <K220,end of read cycle,read cycle timeout>
Options: 0 = Timeout
1 = New Trigger
2 = Timeout & New Trigger
Note: When operating in Continuous Read or Continuous Read 1 Output, the scanner
is always in the read cycle.

Timeout
Usage: Typically used with Serial or Edge and Continuous One.
It is effective in highly controlled applications when the maximum length of
time between objects can be predicted. It assures that a read cycle ends
before the next bar coded object appears, giving the system extra time to
decode and transmit the data to the host.
Definition: Timeout ends the read cycle when the time set in Read Cycle Timeout
elapses or times out.
If in Continuous Read 1 Output, a timeout initiates a new read cycle and
allows the same symbol to be read again.
With either External Edge, Serial Data, or Serial Data & Edge enabled, a
timeout ends the read cycle and symbol data or a noread message is sent
to the host.
With External Level enabled, the read cycle does not end until the falling
edge trigger or a timeout occurs. The next read cycle does not begin until
the next rising edge trigger.

4-14 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Read Cycle
New Trigger
Usage: New Trigger is an effective way to end a read cycle when objects move
past the scanner at irregular intervals (not timing dependent).
Definition: New Trigger ends the current read cycle and initiates a new one when a
new trigger occurs. New Trigger refers only to a rising edge trigger.
With either External Edge, Serial, or Serial or Edge enabled, an edge or
serial trigger ends a read cycle and initiates the next read cycle.
In the case of External Level, a falling edge trigger ends the read cycle but
the next read cycle does not begin until the occurrence of the next rising
edge trigger.
Note: When New Trigger is enabled and if not in External Level mode, Laser On/Off will
have no effect. When noreads occur, the laser will remain on.

Timeout or New Trigger

Usage: Useful in applications that require an alternative way to end the read cycle.
For example, if an assembly line should stop completely or the intervals
between objects are highly irregular.
Definition: Timeout or New Trigger is identical to Timeout, except that a timeout or a
new trigger (whichever occurs first) ends the read cycle.

Read Cycle Timeout

Usage: It is useful in many tightly controlled applications which require a read cycle
to end before the next object appears and therefore need the flexibility of a
timeout adjustment.
Definition: Read Cycle Timeout is the time span of the read cycle and is represented
in 10 mS increments. It is used in conjunction with External Edge or Serial
Trigger.
Serial Cmd: <K220,end of read cycle,read cycle timeout>
Default: 100 (Corresponds to one second or 1000 mS.)
Options: 0 to 65535. (Divide any positive number entered by 100 to determine the
time in seconds.)
Timeout does not function when in Continuous or Level read cycle modes.
Continuous 1: The scanner will only read a given symbol once until a timeout occurs or a
different symbol is presented.
Note: A minimum setting of 2 is recommended.
Note: Timeout or Timeout or New Trigger under End of Read Cycle must be enabled
for Read Cycle Timeout to take effect.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 4-15

Decodes Before Output

Decodes Before Output

Note: When setting up, determine if the scanners scan rate is capable of scanning your
longest symbol the required number of times.

Decodes Before Output Mode

Usage: Useful when the highest level of reliability is required.
Definition: When consecutive is enabled, the number set in Decodes Before Output
must be achieved consecutively before decoded data is sent. For example,
if set to Number Before Output is set to 5, then the data will be output
whenever five decodes occur in succession.
When the default non-consecutive is set, whenever a cumulative number of
decodes is achieved, decoded data is sent. For example, if non-consecu-
tive is enabled and Decodes Before Output is set to 10, then data will be
sent when the total number of decodes reaches 10 regardless of the num-
ber of bad reads between decodes.
Serial Cmd: <K221,number before output,decodes before output mode>
Default: Non-consecutive
Options: 0 = Non-consecutive 1 = Consecutive

Number Before Output

Usage: This is a very useful feature to increase reliability of reads for symbologies
that do not have internal error checking such as Pharmacode.
Definition: The number of decodes required per symbol before a symbols decoded
data is sent. It requires the scanner to successfully decode a symbol a des-
ignated number of times before it is sent. If it doesnt achieve the number of
good reads during the read cycle, then a noread will be sent.
Note: Higher settings will decrease throughput speed.
Serial Cmd: <K221,number before output,decodes before output mode>
Default: 1
Options: 1 to 255

4-16 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Read Cycle

Scanner Setup
Scanner Setup includes Gain, Scan Speed, Laser Power, and AGC.

Gain Level
Usage: Can be useful for fine-tuning gain or when portions of analog signals spike,
as in the case of specular reflection or extraneous noise.
Definition: Sets a voltage amplitude value for the analog circuitry.
Serial Cmd: <K504,gain level,AGC sampling,AGC min,AGC max>
Default: 90 (high density scanner) or 110 (low density scanner).
Note: Gain Level is optimized at the factory before shipment; the default
value may not be 90.
Options: 40 to 255

Scan Speed
Usage: To ensure a minimum number of scans, faster scan speeds are typically
used for fast moving symbols and/or longer symbols with larger bar widths.
See Formulas for Number of Decodes on page A-27.
Note: Scan beams move faster across symbols further out in the scan
range since the moving beam is being projected from a spinning mirror.
Definition: Allows the user to set the number of scans per second by controlling the
spinning mirror motor speed.
Serial Cmd: <K500,scan speed>
Default: 50 (x 10) Low density scanner
35 (x 10) High density scanner
Options: 300 to 1000

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 4-17

Scanner Setup

Laser Power
Usage: Used to optimize read performance at different distances. Typically higher
power is used at greater distances.
Definition: Allows the user or calibration routine to select laser power setting.
Serial Cmd: <K700,laser on/off status,laser framing status,laser on position,laser off
position,laser power>
Default: High Power (Low density scanner)
Medium Power (High density scanner)
Options: 0 = Low 1 = Medium 2 = High

Automatic Gain Control (AGC)

AGC Sampling Mode
Usage: AGC Sampling allows you to specify how automatic gain control sampling
will be done.
Definition: AGC is the acronym for Automatic Gain Control. AGC increases the depth
of field by attempting to maintain signal strength at a constant level regard-
less of the range of the bar code symbol.
Serial Cmd: <K504,gain level,AGC sampling mode,AGC min,AGC max>
Default: Continuous
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Leading Edge 2 = Continuous
Disabled
Usage: Disabled is not recommended, but can be useful in certain applications in
which symbols do not require a large depth of field.
Definition: When AGC Sampling is set to Disabled, gain levels can only be manually
controlled by the Gain command.
Leading Edge
Usage: Leading Edge is rarely used, but in some cases can improve scan rates
when symbols are skewed and the leading edge of a symbol is difficult to
locate.
Definition: Finds the leading edge of a symbol by looking for a 40S quiet zone fol-
lowed by the number of transitions set in "Transition Counter" (page 4-
20), stores the highest value of the samples, and adjusts the AGC accord-
ingly at the end of the scan.

4-18 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Read Cycle
Continuous
Usage: Continuous is the default and the preferred mode for sampling analog sig-
nal amplitude.
Definition: Samples AGC throughout the scan at the rate set in "Transition Counter"
on page 4-20, averages the sample values, and adjusts the AGC value at
the end of the scan.

AGC Minimum
(Read Only)

Definition: Limits the minimum range of the available gain.

Serial Cmd: <K504,gain level,AGC sampling mode,AGC min,AGC max>
Send <K504?> for a readout.
Default: 70
Options 40 to 250

AGC Maximum
(Read Only)

Definition: Limits the maximum range of the available gain.

Serial Cmd: <K504,gain level,AGC sampling mode,AGC min,AGC max>
Send <K504?> for a readout.
Default: 245f
Options 60 to 255

Symbol Detect Status

Definition: During the read cycle, the scanner counts the number of bar and space
transitions defined in the Transition Counter. If the count matches or
exceeds the threshold, the scanner will perform AGC routines. When
enabled, a bad symbol or no symbol message can be output rather than a
noread message.
Serial Cmd: <K505,symbol detect status,transition counter>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 4-19

Scanner Setup
Transition Counter
Usage: Can be useful in certain application where extraneous objects in the field of
view might require a higher threshold.
Definition: Determines the number of bar/space transitions that are sampled before
AGC can be resolved.
Definition: Determines the number of bar/space transitions that must be read before a
symbol is considered present and AGC can be resolved.
Serial Cmd: <K505,symbol detect status,transition counter>
Default: 14
Options: 0 to 255
Note: Transition Counter is used for both AGC and symbol detection routines (see "No
Symbol Message" on page 6-10.

Maximum Element
Usage: Caution: Do not change this parameter unless instructed by a your techni-
cal representative.
Definition: Maximum Element represents the maximum bar element width, as mea-
sured in micro seconds, thats allowed before a video reset occurs (default
to white).
Serial Cmd: <K502,maximum element>
Default: 1500 (45.75S)
Options: 1 to 65535 (.035S to 2294S increments)

Scan Width Enhance

Usage: This option should be enabled if large portions of scan width are needed.
For example, if a large character count symbol is used to the edge of the
scan or is using 70-80% of total scan width.
Definition: Scan width Enhance tends to trade depth for width.
Disable if outside edge/long range performance is needed.
Serial Cmd: <K511,scan width enhance>
Default: Enabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

4-20 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Read Cycle

Laser Setup
Laser Setup includes Laser On/Off and Laser Framing.
Note: See also Auto Frame on page 9-6 for more details on laser framing.

Laser On/Off Status

Usage: Laser On/Off extends the life of the laser. It is useful where there are significant
time gaps between symbols. It also provides visual confirmation of a read
cycle timeout and minimizes laser exposure to people.
Definition: When enabled, the laser is ON only during the read cycle. When disabled,
the laser operates continuously.
Serial Cmd: <K700,laser on/off status,laser framing status,laser on position,laser off
position,laser power>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Laser Framing Status

Usage: Useful in avoiding highly reflective objects, for filtering out unwanted signals,
or avoiding the wrong symbols.
Definition: When Laser Framing is disabled, the laser is ON for 100 percent of the full
scan. When enabled, the extent of the laser arc is determined by the Laser
On Position and Laser Off Position settings.
Serial Cmd: <K700,laser on/off status,laser framing status,laser on position,laser off
position,laser power>
Default: Enabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled
To adjust laser framing automatically, click the Calibration button and click the Auto
Frame button.
Note: Because scan widths are not always perfectly symmetrical, the most effective way
to setup laser framing is to experiment with the Laser On Position and Laser Off Position
commands until you get the best results.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 4-21

Laser Setup

Laser On Position
Definition: Percentage of the full scan arc that the
scan beam moves through before the
laser turns ON. For example, if set for
30, the laser will be off during the first
30 percent of the scan.
When Laser Framing is disabled, the
laser is ON for 100 percent of the full scan.
When Laser Framing is enabled, the
laser turns ON at the specified percentage
of the scan.

Laser On Position

Serial Cmd: <K700,laser on/off status,laser framing status,laser on position,laser off

position,laser power>
Default: 10
Options: 10 to 80

Laser Off Position

Definition: Percentage of the full scan arc that the
scan beam moves through before the
laser turns OFF.
Note: Laser Off Position must
always exceed the value of Laser On
Position for an actual scan to take place.

Laser Off Position

Serial Cmd: <K700,laser on/off status,laser framing status,laser on position,laser off

position,laser power>
Default: 95
Options: 20 to 95

4-22 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Read Cycle

Laser Power
Definition: This parameter allows the user to select a laser power setting as follows:
Serial Cmd: <K700,laser on/off status,laser framing status,laser on position,laser off
position,laser power>
Default: High
Options: 0 = Low (~0.6mW)
1 = Medium (~1.0mW)
2 = High (~1.5mW)

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 4-23

Laser Setup

4-24 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

MS-3 Laser E.book Page 1 Monday, August 30, 2004 11:09 AM

Chapter Symbologies
5

Chapter Contents
Symbology by Serial Command ..................................................................5-2
Code 39 .......................................................................................................5-3
Code 128 .....................................................................................................5-6
Interleaved 2 of 5.......................................................................................5-13
Codabar.....................................................................................................5-17
Code 93 .....................................................................................................5-24
Narrow Margins .........................................................................................5-27
Symbology ID ............................................................................................5-28
Background Color......................................................................................5-29
Autodiscriminate ........................................................................................5-29

This section describes the various symbol types that can be read and decoded by the
reader.
Code 39 is enabled by default. To enable all codes, send a <P> serial command to the
scanner from the Terminal window.1
See http://www.aimusa.org/standards/aimpubs.htm for additional information
about symbologies.
Note: When assigning characters in user-defined fields, the characters NULL <> and ,
can only be entered through embedded menus, not through ESP or serial commands.

1. If using an I 2/5 symbol, verify that the number of characters in the symbol being scanned
matches the code length enabled for the I 2/5 symbol type (default is 10 and 6).

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 5-1

Symbologies by ESP

Symbologies by ESP

Click this button to bring up

the Symbologies menu.

To open nested
options, single-click
the +.

To change a setting,
double-click the setting
and use your cursor to
scroll through the
options.

Symbologies by Serial Command

Command Title Format
<K470,status,check digit status,check digit output,large interchar-
Code 39
acter gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,full ASCII set>
<K474,status,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,EAN-128
status,output format,application record separator status,application
Code 128
record separator character,application record brackets,application
record padding>
<K472,status,check digit status,check digit output status,symbol
Interleaved 2 of 5
length #1,symbol length #2,unused,range mode>
<K471,status,start & stop match status,start & stop output sta-
Codabar tus,large intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol
length,check digit type,check digit output status>
<K473,UPCstatus,EAN status,supplementals status,separator sta-
UPC/EAN
tus,separator character,unused,UPC-E output as UPC-A>
Code 93 <K475,status,fixed symbol length status,symbol length>
<K477,status,fixed bar length status,fixed bar length,min. no. of
Pharmacode
bars,bar widths,direction,fixed threshold value>
Narrow Margins/
<K450,narrow margins status,symbology ID status>
Symbology ID
Background Color <K451,background color>

5-2 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Symbologies

Code 39
Usage: Code 39 is considered the standard for non-retail bar code applications.
Definition: An alphanumeric symbol with unique start/stop symbol patterns, composed
of 9 black and white elements per character, of which 3 are wide.

Code 39 Status
Serial Cmd: <K470,status,check digit status,check digit output,large intercharacter
gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,full ASCII set>
Default: Enabled
Note: This is the only symbol type enabled by default.
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Check Digit Status (Code 39)

Serial Cmd: <K470,code 39 status,check digit status,check digit output,large inter-
character gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,full ASCII set>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Check Digit Output (Code 39)

Usage: Check Digit Output Status, added to the symbol, provides additional secu-
rity.
Definition: When enabled, the check digit character is read and sent along with the
symbol data. When disabled, symbol data is sent without the check digit.
Note: With Check Digit Output Status and an External or Serial trigger
option enabled, an invalid check digit calculation will cause a noread mes-
sage to be transmitted at the end of the read cycle.
Serial Cmd: <K470,status,check digit status,check digit output,large intercharacter
gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,full ASCII set>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 5-3

Code 39

Large Intercharacter Gap (Code 39)

Usage: Large Intercharacter Gap is helpful for reading symbols that are printed
out of specification.
Caution: Do not use Large Intercharacter Gap with Narrow Margins
enabled since a large intercharacter gap (over 3x) could cause a narrow
margins (5x) to be interpreted as an intercharacter gap.
Definition: When enabled, the scanner can read symbols with gaps between symbol
characters that exceed three times (3x) the narrow element width.
Serial Cmd: <K470,status,check digit status,check digit output,large intercharacter
gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,full ASCII set>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Code 39)

Definition: When enabled, the scanner will check the symbol length against the symbol
length field. If disabled, any length is considered a valid symbol.
Serial Cmd: <K470,status,check digit status,check digit output status,large intercharacter
gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,full ASCII set>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Symbol Length (Code 39)

Usage: Fixed symbol Length helps prevent truncations and increases data integ-
rity by ensuring that only one symbol length will be accepted.
Definition: Specifies the exact number of characters that the scanner will recognize
(this does not include start and stop and check digit characters). The scan-
ner ignores any symbol not having the specified length.
Serial Cmd: <K470,status,check digit status,check digit output,large intercharacter
gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,full ASCII set>
Default: 10
Default: 1 to 64

5-4 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Symbologies

Full ASCII Set (Code 39)

Usage: Must be enabled when reading characters outside the standard character
set (0-9, A-Z, etc.)
User must know in advance whether or not to use Full ASCII Set option.
Since Full ASCII Set requires two symbol words to encode one character, it
is less efficient.
Definition: Standard Code 39 encodes 43 characters; zero through nine, capital A
through capital Z, minus symbol, plus symbol, forward slash, space, deci-
mal point, dollar sign and percent symbol. When Full ASCII Set is enabled,
the scanner can read the full ASCII character set, from 0 to 255.
Serial Cmd: <K470,status,check digit status,check digit output,large intercharacter
gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,full ASCII set>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 5-5

Code 128

Code 128
Usage: Code 128 is useful in applications with tight spots and high security needs.
Definition: A very dense alphanumeric symbology. It encodes all 128 ASCII charac-
ters; it is continuous, has variable length, and uses multiple element widths
measured edge to edge.

Code 128 Status

Serial Cmd: <K474,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,EAN-128 sta-
tus,output format,application record separator status,application record
separator character,application record brackets,application record padding>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Code 128)

Definition: When enabled, the scanner will check the symbol length against the symbol
length field. When disabled, any length is considered a valid symbol.
Serial Cmd: <K474,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,EAN-128
status,output format,application record separator status,application record
separator character,application record brackets,application record padding>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Symbol Length (Code 128)

Usage: Fixed Symbol Length helps prevent truncations and increases data integ-
rity by ensuring that only a fixed symbol length will be accepted.
Definition: Specifies a fixed number of characters that the scanner will recognize (this
does not include start and stop and check digit characters). The scanner
ignores any symbol not having the specified length.
Serial Cmd: <K474,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,EAN-128
status,output format,application record separator status,application record
separator character,application record brackets,application record padding>
Default: 10
Options: 1 to 64
Note: Fixed Symbol Length Status must be enabled for Symbol Length to take effect.

5-6 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Symbologies

EAN-128 Status
Note: Code 128 must be Enabled for EAN-128 to function.
Usage: Used as a standard for shipping symbols.
Definition: A subset of Code 128, with extended features. (For more information, see
GS1 US at:
http://www.gs1us.org/gs1us.html
Or see AIM, at:
http://www.aimglobal.org/standards/aimpubs.asp.

Serial Cmd: <K474,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,EAN-128 sta-

tus,output format,application record separator status,application record
separator character,application record brackets,application record padding>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 2 = Required
If set to Enabled, symbols can be read with or without a function 1 character in the first
position.
If set to Required, the symbol must have a function 1 in the first position and conform to
EAN format in order to decode the symbol.

Output Format (Code 128)

Usage: Application Record is useful in applications in which the software can uti-
lize application record formatting to help automate the processing of its
EAN-128 data.
Definition: Offers an option between Standard EAN-128 and Application Record for-
mat.
Serial Cmd: <K474,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,EAN-128 sta-
tus,output format,application record separator status,application record
separator character,application record brackets,application record padding>
Default: Standard
Options: 0 = Standard 1 = Application Record
In Standard UCC/EAN-128 application identifiers and data fields are sent, but none of the
formatting (separators, parentheses, padding) will be included.
Application Record is a variation of UCC/EAN-128 that allows the user to define separa-
tors between data fields, enclose application identifiers in parentheses, and enable pad-
ding (zeros) for variable length fields.
Note: If an illegal Application Record format is detected, the scanner will process it as a
noread and output a noread message (if enabled).

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 5-7

Code 128

Application Record Separator Status (Code 128)

Definition: When enabled, a separator character is inserted between application
records.
Serial Cmd: <K474,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,EAN-128 sta-
tus,output format,application record separator status,application record sep-
arator character,application record brackets,application record padding>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled
Note: Output Format must be set to Application Record before this parameter can take
effect.
Note: When set to Disable, app rec sep char is forced to NUL. When set to Enable,
Application Record Separator Character must also be sent in the same command.

Application Record Separator Character (Code 128)

Note: Application Record Separator Character Status is enabled by setting the param-
eter to any value other than a null.
Definition: Allows the user to define an ASCII character as an application record sepa-
rator.
Serial Cmd: <K474,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,EAN-128 sta-
tus,output format,application record separator status,application record
separator character,application record brackets,application record pad-
ding>
Default: , (comma)
Options: User Defined ASCII character
Note: Has no effect unless Application Record Separator Status is enabled.

Application Record Brackets (Code 128)

Definition: When enabled, parentheses ( ) are added to enclose application identifiers.
Serial Cmd: <K474,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,EAN-128 sta-
tus,output format,application record separator status,application record
separator character,application record brackets,application record pad-
ding>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled
Note: Output Format must be set to Application Record before this parameter can take
effect.

5-8 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Symbologies

Application Record Padding (Code 128)

Definition: Padding is the insertion of zeros to make up the maximum length of a vari-
able application record data field, except for the last field which does not
require padding.
When enabled, padding is included. When disabled, padding is omitted.
Note: Padding is never added to fixed length fields or to the last data field of
a symbol. Enabling or disabling Record Padding will have no effect on
these.
Serial Cmd: <K474,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,EAN-128 sta-
tus,output format,application record separator status,application record
separator character,application record brackets,application record pad-
ding>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled
Note: Output Format must be set to Application Record before this parameter can take
effect.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 5-9

Interleaved 2 of 5

Interleaved 2 of 5
Usage: It is has been popular because it is the most dense symbol for printing
numeric characters less than 10 characters in length; however we do not
recommend this symbology for any new applications because of inherent
problems such as truncation.
Definition: A dense, continuous, self-checking, numeric symbology. Characters are
paired together so that each character has five elements, two wide and
three narrow, representing numbers 0 through 9, with the bars representing
the first character and the interleaved spaces representing the second char-
acter. (A check digit is highly recommended.)
Important: You must set Symbol Length in order to decode I 2/5 symbols.

Interleaved 2 of 5 Status
Serial Cmd: <K472,status,check digit status,check digit output status,symbol length
#1,symbol length #2,unused,range mode>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Check Digit Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)

Usage: It is typically not used but can be enabled for additional security in applica-
tions where the host requires redundant check digit verification.
Definition: An error correcting routine in which the check digit character is added.
Serial Cmd: <K472,status,check digit status,check digit output status,symbol length
#1,symbol length #2,unused,range mode>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Check Digit Output Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)

Definition: When enabled, a check digit character is sent along with the bar symbol
data for added data security.
Serial Cmd: <K472,status,check digit status,check digit output status,symbol length
#1,symbol length #2,unused,range mode>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

5-10 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Symbologies

Symbol Length #1 (Interleaved 2 of 5)

Usage: With Industrial 2/5, two symbol lengths can be defined. When using only
one symbol length in an application, setting Symbol Length #2 to 0 (zero)
to ensure data integrity is recommended.
Definition: Specifies a number of characters that the scanner will recognize, including
start and stop and check digit characters. The scanner ignores any symbol
smaller than the specified length. Because Industrial 2/5 is a continuous
symbol, it is prone to substitution errors. Hence, a symbol length must be
defined and a bar symbol must contain an even number of digits.Note: If
start, stop or check digits are used, they are not included in the symbol
length count.
Note: If Range Mode is set to Enable, the settings for Symbol Length #1
and Symbol Length #2 will define the range of symbol lengths that can be
decoded.
Serial Cmd: <K472,status,check digit status,check digit output status,symbol length
#1,symbol length #2,unused,range mode>
Default: 10
Options: 0 to 64
Since I 2/5 characters are paired, symbol length must be set to an even
number. If Check Digit is enabled, add 2 to your symbol length. For exam-
ple, if your symbol is 10 characters plus a check digit, then enable Symbol
Length for 12.
Note: Typically, when printing an I 2/5 symbol with an odd number of digits,
a 0 will be added as the first character.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 5-11

Interleaved 2 of 5

Symbol Length #2 (Interleaved 2 of 5)

Usage: If using a second symbol, a zero or any even symbol length in the option
range may be specified. If not using a second symbol, set Symbol Length
#2 to 0 to ensure data integrity.
Definition: Specifies a number of characters that the scanner will recognize, including
start and stop and check digit characters. The scanner ignores any symbol
smaller than the specified length.
Note: If Range Mode is set to Enable, the settings for Symbol Length #1
and Symbol Length #2 will define the range of symbol lengths that can be
decoded.
Serial Cmd: <K472,status,check digit status,check digit output status,symbol length
#1,symbol length #2,unused,range mode>
Default: 6
Options: 0 to 64
Since I 2/5 characters are paired, symbol length must be set to an even
number. If Check Digit is enabled, add 2 to your symbol length. For exam-
ple, if your symbol is 10 characters plus a check digit, then enable Symbol
Length for 12.
Note: Typically, when printing an I 2/5 symbol with an odd number of digits,
a 0 will be added as the first character.

Range Mode Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)

Usage: Useful in applications where symbol lengths may vary.
Definition: Allows user the option to define a symbol length range for I2 of 5.
Serial Cmd: <K472,status,check digit status,check digit output status,symbol length
#1,symbol length #2,unused,range mode>
Default: 0
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled
When set to Enabled, minimum and maximum symbol lengths will be
defined by Symbol Length #1 and Symbol Length #2.

5-12 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Symbologies

Codabar
Usage: Used in photo-finishing and library applications. Formerly used in some
medical applications but not typically used in newer applications.
Definition: Codabar is a 16-character set (0 through 9, and the characters $, :, /, ., +,
and ) with start/stop codes and at least two distinctly different bar widths.

Codabar Status
Serial Cmd: <K471,status,start & stop match status,start & stop output,large interchar-
acter gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,check digit type,check
digit output status>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Start & Stop Match Status (Codabar)

Usage: Used to increase security of symbology.
Definition: Requires the Codabar start and stop characters (a, b, c, or d) to match
before a valid read can occur.
Serial Cmd: <K471,status,start & stop match status,start & stop output status,large
intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,check digit
type,check digit output status>
Default: Enabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 5-13

Codabar

Start & Stop Output Status (Codabar)

Usage: Used to verify matching.
Definition: Causes the start and stop characters to be transmitted with symbol data.
Serial Cmd: <K471,status,start & stop match status,start & stop output status,large
intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,check digit
type,check digit status,check digit output status>
Default: Enabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Large Intercharacter Gap (Codabar)

Usage: It is helpful for reading symbols that are printed out of specification.
Caution: Do not use Large Intercharacter Gap with Narrow Margins
enabled since enabling Large Intercharacter Gap (over 3x) could cause a
narrow margins (5x) to be interpreted as an intercharacter gap.
Definition: Instructs the scanner to read symbols with gaps between characters
exceeding three times the narrow element width.
Serial Cmd: <K471,status,start & stop match status,start & stop output status,large
intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,check digit
type,check digit output status>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Codabar)

Usage: Restricting symbol lengths can help prevent truncations and increase data
integrity by ensuring that only one or a defined range of symbol lengths will
be accepted.
Definition: When set to Fixed, the scanner will check the symbol length against the
Symbol Length field. When set to Any/Minimum, any length is considered
a valid symbol. The following rules apply:
Serial Cmd: <K471,status,start & stop match status,start & stop output status,large
intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,check digit
type,check digit output status>
Default: Any/Minimum
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

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 Symbologies

Symbol Length (Codabar)

Definition: Specifies the exact number of characters that the scanner will recognize
(this does not include start and stop and check digit characters). The scan-
ner ignores any symbol not having the specified length.
Serial Cmd: <K471,status,start & stop match status,start & stop output status,large
intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,check digit
type,check digit status,check digit output status>
Default: 10
Options: 1 to 64
Note: Fixed Symbol Length Status must be enabled for Symbol Length to take effect.
Note: Because of symbology limitations, setting Symbol Length to any number less than
four will produce undetermined results.

Check Digit Status (Codabar)

Usage: Modulus 16 is used in the photo-finishing market.NW7 is used in Japanese
markets.
Definition: Allows the user to select the check digit type Codabar will use.
Serial Cmd: <K471,status,start & stop match,start & stop output status,large interchar-
acter gap,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,check digit
type,check digit status,check digit output status>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 2 = NW 7
1 = Modulus 16 3 = Both

Check Digit Output Status (Codabar)

Usage: For additional security a check digit can be added to the symbol.
Definition: When enabled, the check digit character is sent along with the symbol data.
When disabled, symbol data is sent without the check digit.
Serial Cmd: <K471,status,start & stop match,start & stop output status,large interchar-
acter gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol length,check digit type,check
digit output status>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 5-15

UPC/EAN

UPC/EAN
Usage: Used primarily in POS application in the retail industry. It is commonly used
in applications in combination with Matchcode when there is a need to ver-
ify that the right product is being placed in the right packaging.
Definition: UPC (Universal Product Code) is a fixed length numeric, continuous sym-
bology. UPC can have two- or five-digit supplemental symbol data following
the normal code. The U.P.C., Version A (U.P.C., A) symbol is used to
encode a 12 digit number. The first digit is the number system character,
the next five are the manufacturer number, the next five are the product
number, and the last digit is the checksum character.
When enabled, the scanner will read UPC version A and UPC version E
only.

UPC Status
Serial Cmd: <K473,UPC status,EAN status,supplementals status,separator status,sep-
arator character,unused,UPC-E output as UPC-A>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

EAN Status
Usage: EAN is the European version of the UPC symbology and is used in Euro-
pean market applications.
Definition: EAN is a subset of UPC. When enabled, the scanner will read UPC version
A, UPC version E, EAN 13, and EAN 8. It also appends a leading zero to
UPC version A symbol information and transmits 13 digits. If transmitting 13
digits when reading UPC version A symbols is not desired, disable EAN.
Note: The extra character identifies the country of origin.
Serial Cmd: <K473,UPC status,EAN status,supplementals status,separator status,sep-
arator character,unused,UPC-E output as UPC-A>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

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 Symbologies

Supplementals Status (UPC/EAN)

Usage: Reads Supplementals typically used in publications and documentation.
Definition: A supplemental is a 2 or 5 digit symbol appended to the main symbol.
When set to Enabled or Required, the scanner reads supplemental symbol
data that has been appended to the standard UPC or EAN codes.
Serial Cmd: <K473,UPC status,EAN status,supplementals status,separator sta-
tus,separator character,unused,UPC-E output as UPC-A>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 2 = Required

Disabled
UPC Supplementals will not be decoded.

Enabled
When enabled, the scanner will try to decode a main and a supplemental. However, if a supplemen-
tal is not decoded, at the end of the read cycle, the main will be sent by itself. The UPC main and
supplemental symbols are considered to be one symbol and will be treated as such.

Required
When set to Required and either the main or supplemental symbol is not read, a single
noread condition results. The UPC main and supplemental symbols are treated as one
symbol.
For example, if Supplementals is set to Required, Separator is enabled, and an asterisk
is defined as the UPC separator character, then the data will be displayed as: MAIN *
SUPPLEMENTAL.
Note: Under no circumstances will supplemental symbol data be sent without a main sym-
bol.
Note: If additional symbolsother than the main or supplementalwill be read in the
same read cycle, Number of symbols should be set accordingly.

Separator Status (UPC/EAN)

Note: UPC must be enabled for EAN to take effect.
Usage: Allows user to distinguish between the main and Supplemental symbols.
Definition: Allows the user to insert a character between the standard UPC or EAN
symbol and the supplemental symbol when Supplementals is set to
Enabled or Required.
Serial Cmd: <K473,UPC status,EAN status,supplementals status,separator sta-
tus,separator character,unused,UPC-E output as UPC-A>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 5-17

UPC/EAN

Separator Character (UPC/EAN)

Note: If Separator Character has been changed to any other character and you wish to
re-define the separator as a comma, you will need to use ESP or the embedded menu.
Usage: As required by the application.
Definition: Allows the user to change the separator character from a comma to a new
character.
Serial Cmd: <K473,UPC status,EAN status,supplementals status,separator status,sep-
arator character,unused,UPC-E output as UPC-A>
Default: , (comma)
Options: Any ASCII character
Note: Whenever Separator Character is defined as a comma (,) sending a <K473,s?>
command will return the current settings including the separator character comma which
appears after the separator status comma.

UPC-E Output to UPC-A (UPC/EAN)

Usage: Useful for applications that require UPC-A output.
Definition: Allows the user to change the output from UPC-E to UPC-A.
Serial Cmd: <K473,UPC status,EAN status,supplementals status,separator status,sep-
arator character,unused,UPC-E output as UPC-A>
Default: , (comma)
Options: Any ASCII character

5-18 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Symbologies

Code 93
Usage: Used occasionally in clinical industry.
Definition: Code 93 is a variable length, continuous symbology employing four element
widths. Each Code 93 character has nine modules that may be either black
or white. Each character contains three bars and three spaces.

Code 93 Status
Serial Cmd: <K475,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Code 93)

Definition: When enabled, the scanner will check the symbol length against the symbol
length field. When disabled, any length is considered a valid symbol.
Serial Cmd: <K475,status,fixed symbol length status,symbol length>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Symbol Length (Code 93)

Usage: Fixed Symbol Length helps prevent truncations and increases data integ-
rity by ensuring that only one symbol length will be accepted.
Definition: Specifies the exact number of characters that the scanner will recognize
(this does not include start and stop and check digit characters). The scan-
ner ignores any symbol not having the specified length.
Serial Cmd: <K475,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length>
Default: 10
Options: 1 to 64

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 5-19

Pharmacode

Pharmacode
Usage: Pharmacode is used mostly with packaging for the pharmaceuticals industry.
Definition: The symbol encodes up to five different numbers, each with its own color
which may be entered in decimal or binary format with a 1 represented by a
thick bar and a 0 represented by a thin bar. Bar width is independent of
height.
In decimal format, each part can be up to 999999.
In binary format, each input have up to 19 ones and zeros.
Note: It is recommended that you disable AGC before enabling Pharmacode.

Pharmacode Status
Serial Cmd: <K477,status, fixed bar count status,fixed bar count, min. no. of bars,bar
widths,direction,fixed threshold value>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Fixed Bar Count Status (Pharmacode)

Serial Cmd: <K477,status,fixed bar count status, fixed bar count, min. no. of bars,bar
widths,direction,fixed threshold value>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Fixed Bar Count (Pharmacode)

Serial Cmd: <K477,status,fixed bar count status, fixed bar count, min. no. of bars, bar
widths,direction,fixed threshold value>
Default: 10
Options: 2 to 16

Minimum Bars (Pharmacode)

Serial Cmd: <K477,status,fixed bar count status, fixed bar count, min. no. of bars, bar
widths,direction,fixed threshold value>
Default: 4
Options: 2 to 16

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 Symbologies

Bar Width Status (Pharmacode)

Serial Cmd: <K477,status,fixed bar count status,fixed bar count, min. no. of bars,
bar widths,direction,fixed threshold value>
Default: Mixed
Options: 0 = Mixed 1 = Narrow
2 = Wide 3 = Fixed Threshold Value

Direction (Pharmacode)
Definition: Specifies the direction that a bar can be read.
Serial Cmd: <K477,status,fixed bar count status,fixed bar count,min. no. of bars,
bar widths,direction,fixed threshold value>
Default: Forward
Options: 0 = Forward 1 = Reverse

Fixed Threshold Value (Pharmacode)

Definition: Used when Bar Width Status field is set to Fixed Threshold Value.
Serial Cmd: <K477,status,fixed bar count status,fixed bar count,min. no. of bars,
bar widths,direction,fixed threshold value>
Default: 400
Options: 1 to 65535

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 5-21

Narrow Margins

Narrow Margins
Usage: Used when the leading and trailing edges of the symbols are smaller than
the standard margin or when other objects encroach into the margins.
Definition: Allows the scanner to read symbols with quiet zones less than 8 times the
width of the narrow bar element. Quiet zone is the space at the leading
and trailing ends of a symbol. Each quiet zone can be as narrow as only
five times the width of the narrow bar element when Narrow Margins is
enabled.
Serial Cmd: <K450,narrow margins status,symbology id status>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled
Note: Do not use Narrow Margins with Large Intercharacter Gap enabled in Code 39 or
Codabar.

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 Symbologies

Symbology ID

Usage: Used when the symbology type and how its decoded needs to be known.
Definition: Symbology ID is an AIM standard prefix set of characters that identify the
symbol type.
When enabled, the scanner analyzes and identifies the symbology and
adds a three character identifying prefix to the data:
1. ] (close bracket character) indicating the presence of a symbology ID
2. A, C, E, F, G, I, L, p, M
A = Code 39; C = Code 128 or EAN-128; E = UPC/EAN; F = Codabar;
G = Code 93; I = Interleaved 2 of 5; L = PDF417 (special option); p =
Pharmacode; M = MSI Code
3. Modifier (see the explanation of modifiers below)
Serial Cmd: <K450,narrow margins,symbology identifier status>
Serial Cmd: <K450,0,symbology identifier status>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled
Explanation of Modifiers for Code 39, Codabar, and I2/5
For Code 39, Codabar, and Interleaved 2 of 5, the modifier indicates Check Digit and
Check Digit Output Status.
For Code 39 only, Full ASCII needs to be enabled to see modifiers 4, 5, and 7.
Check Digit Full ASCII conversion performed
Modifier Check Digit
Output (Code 39 only)
0 Disabled N/A No
1 Enabled Enabled No
3 Enabled Disabled No
4 Disabled N/A Yes
5 Enabled Enabled Yes
7 Enabled Disabled Yes
Example: ]A5 indicates a Code 39 symbol with Check Digit and Check Digit Output Status
enabled and Full ASCII conversion performed.
For Other Symbologies
For Code 128, a 1 indicates EAN-128; otherwise the modifier is a 0.
For all other codes, the modifier is 0.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 5-23

Background Color

Background Color
Usage: If the background is darker than the symbol, then enable black background.
Typically the background is white; but on PCBs for example, they can be
black.
Definition: Allows the user to choose which symbol background (spaces and surround-
ing medium) the scanner can read.
Serial Cmd: <K451,background color>
Default: White
Options: 0 = White 1 = Black

Autodiscriminate
Although Autodiscriminate is not a configuration command, but it is included here as a
convenient tool for enabling most symbol types.

Usage: Commonly used for quick setup mode to detect symbol type. This is partic-
ularly useful for users who might be unfamiliar with their applications sym-
bology.
Note: It does not alter individual fields such as Start/Stop, Fixed Length,
etc. These need to be setup individually.
Definition: Enables all available symbology types except PDF417, UCC/EAN 128. The
user may also individually disable/enable each symbology type.
Serial Cmd: <P>
Default: Code 39 (only)
Options: <P> Enables all codes except noted above.
<Q> Enable Code 39 only
<R> Enable Codabar only
<S> Enable I 2/5 only
Note: If using an I 2/5 symbol, verify that the number of characters in the symbol being
scanned matches the symbol length enabled for the I 2/5 symbol type (default is 10 and 6).

5-24 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Symbologies

Symbol Ratio Mode

Symbol Ratio Mode is useful for determining how much quality and data security validation
will be applied when decoding a Code 39, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, or Code 93 symbol.
Tight ratios will only decode a high-quality symbol.
Standard ratios will decode most symbols.
Aggressive ratios will not validate the entire symbol before decoding. The ratios are
loosened to read poor-quality symbols. This setting is not recommended unless users
understand the potential ramifications: character substitution rate may increase dramatically
when Symbol Ratio Mode is set to Aggressive.

Code 39
Serial Cmd: <K452,Code 39,Codabar,Interleaved 2 of 5,Code 93>
Default: Standard
Options: 0 = Tight
1 = Standard
2 = Aggressive

Tight
Maximum ratio is set to 3.5:1. A Validate function, which compares the ratio between the
maximum and minimum bars in the symbol, is used for additional security. A Validate Bars
function minimizes the acceptance of skewed symbols.

Standard
Maximum ratio is set to 4.0:1. A Validate function, which compares the ratio between the
maximum and minimum bars in the symbol, is used for additional security.

Aggressive
Maximum ratio is set at 5.6:1. A Validate function is not used in this mode. This method
may be useful on long symbols where the spot velocity can change throughout the symbol
and effect the minimum and maximum bar values.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 5-25

Symbol Ratio Mode

Codabar
Serial Cmd: <K452,Code 39,Codabar,Interleaved 2 of 5,Code 93>
Default: Standard
Options: 0 = Tight
1 = Standard
2 = Aggressive

Tight
Maximum ratio is set to 3.5:1. A Validate function, which compares the ratio between the
maximum and minimum bars in the symbol, is used for additional security. A Validate Bars
function minimizes the acceptance of skewed symbols.

Standard
Maximum ratio is set to 4.0:1. A Validate function, which compares the ratio between the
maximum and minimum bars in the symbol, is used for additional security.

Aggressive
Maximum ratio is set at 5.9:1. A Validate function is not used in this mode. This method
may be useful on long symbols where the spot velocity can change throughout the symbol
and effect the minimum and maximum bar values.

Interleaved 2 of 5
Serial Cmd: <K452,Code 39,Codabar,Interleaved 2 of 5,Code 93>
Default: Standard
Options: 0 = Tight
1 = Standard
2 = Aggressive

Tight
Maximum ratio is set to 3.5:1. A Validate function, which compares the ratio between the
maximum and minimum bars in the symbol, is used for additional security. A Validate Bars
function minimizes the acceptance of skewed symbols.

Standard
Maximum ratio is set to 4.0:1. A Validate function, which compares the ratio between the
maximum and minimum bars in the symbol, is used for additional security.

Aggressive
Maximum ratio is set at 6.2:1. A Validate function is not used in this mode. This method
may be useful on long symbols where the spot velocity can change throughout the symbol
and effect the minimum and maximum bar values.

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 Symbologies

Code 93
Serial Cmd: <K452,Code 39,Codabar,Interleaved 2 of 5,Code 93>
Default: Standard
Options: 0 = Tight
1 = Standard
2 = Aggressive

Tight
Maximum ratio is set to 2.95:1. A Validate function, which compares the ratio between the
maximum and minimum bars in the symbol, is used for additional security. A Validate Bars
function minimizes the acceptance of skewed symbols.

Standard
Maximum ratio is set to 2.8:1. A Validate function, which compares the ratio between the
maximum and minimum bars in the symbol, is used for additional security.

Aggressive
Maximum ratio is set at 2.65:1. A Validate function is not used in this mode. This method
may be useful on long symbols where the spot velocity can change throughout the symbol
and effect the minimum and maximum bar values.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual 5-27

Symbol Ratio Mode

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Chapter I/O Parameters

6
Chapter Contents
Output Conditions by ESP Menu.................................................................6-2
I/O Parameters by Serial Command............................................................6-3
Symbol Data Output ....................................................................................6-4
Message Output ..........................................................................................6-7
Noread Message .........................................................................................6-8
Bad Symbol Message .................................................................................6-9
No Symbol Message .................................................................................6-10
Beeper .......................................................................................................6-11
Partial Output ............................................................................................6-12
Serial Verification ......................................................................................6-13
EZ Button ...................................................................................................6-15
Output 1.....................................................................................................6-18
Output 2.....................................................................................................6-24
Output 3.....................................................................................................6-25
Quality Output ...........................................................................................6-26

This section includes instructions for setting up conditions for beeper and EZ Button
controls and for changing input/output of data messages and electrical transitions for
control of internal and external devices.
Note: The characters NULL <> and , can only be entered through embedded menus,
not through ESP or serial commands.
Note: You can learn the current setting of any parameter by inserting a question mark
after the number, as in <K100?>. To see all K commands, send <K?>.

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Output Conditions by ESP Menu

Output Conditions by ESP Menu

Click this Button to bring up

the I/O Parameters menu

To change a setting,
double-click the set-
ting and use your cur-
sor to scroll through
the options.

To open nested options,

single-click the +.

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MS-3 Laser E.book Page 3 Monday, August 30, 2004 11:09 AM

Chapter 6 I/O Parameters

I/O Parameters by Serial Command

Command Title Format
Symbol Data Output <K705,symbol output status,when to output>
Noread Message <K714,status,noread message>
Bad Symbol Message <K715, bad symbol status,bad symbol message>
No Symbol Message <K716, no symbol status,no symbol message>
Beeper <K702,beeper output>
Partial Output <K703, partial output status,start postion,length>
<K701,serial command echo status,serial command beep sta-
Serial Verification
tus,control/hex output>
EZ Button <K770, global status,default on power-on>
Output 1 Parameters <K810,output on,polarity,pulse width,output mode>
Trend Analysis (Output 1)
<K780, trend analysis mode,number of triggers,number to out-
put on,decodes/trigger threshold>
<K790,usused,service threshold,unused,laser current
Diagnostics (Output 1)
high,laser current low>
Output 2 Parameters <K811,output on,polarity,pulse width>
<K781, trend analysis mode,number of triggers,number to out-
Trend Analysis (Output 2)
put on,decodes/trigger threshold>
<K791,usused,service threshold,unused,laser current
Diagnostics (Output 2)
high,laser current low>
Output 3 Parameters <K812,output on,polarity,pulse width>
<K782, trend analysis mode,number of triggers,number to out-
Trend Analysis (Output 3)
put on,decodes/trigger threshold>
<K792,usused,service threshold,unused,laser current
Diagnostics (Output 3)
high,laser current low>
Quality Output <K704,quality output separator,reads/trigger status>

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MS-3 Laser E.book Page 4 Monday, August 30, 2004 11:09 AM

Symbol Data Output

Symbol Data Output

Usage: Useful when the host needs symbol data only under certain conditions.
Definition: Defines the conditions under which decoded symbols are transmitted to
the host.

Symbol Data Output Status

Serial Cmd: <K705,symbol output status,when to output>
Default: Good Read
Options: 0 = Disabled 2 = Mismatch
1 = Match 3 = Good Read
Note: If set to Match or Mismatch, Symbol Output Status will not take effect unless
Matchcode Type is enabled and a master symbol is loaded into memory.

Disabled
Usage: Useful when an application only needs to use the discrete outputs and
can allow the scanner to do the decision-making. When Disabled, the
host does not need the symbol data and the communication lines are
used only for setup and status checks.
Definition: When set to Disabled, the scanner will not transmit any data that is gen-
erated during a read cycle (symbols, noreads, etc.).
Match
Usage: Match is used in an application that requires specific symbol information
and needs to sort, route or verify based on matching the specific symbol
data.
Definition: When set to Match, the scanner transmits symbol data whenever a sym-
bol matches a master symbol. However, if Matchcode Type is Disabled,
it transmits on any good read.
Note: A noread can still be transmitted if Enabled.

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Chapter 6 I/O Parameters

Mismatch
Usage: Mismatch is typically used as a flag within the host system to prevent an
item from being routed in the wrong container.
Definition: With Mismatch enabled, the scanner transmits symbol data whenever
the symbol data information does NOT match the master symbol.
Note: A noread can still be transmitted if enabled.

Good Read
Usage: Good Read is used when an application requires all symbol data to be
transmitted. Its typically used in tracking applications in which each
object is uniquely identified.
Definition: With Good Read enabled, the scanner transmits symbol data on any
good read regardless of Matchcode Type setting.
Note: A noread can still be transmitted if enabled.

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MS-3 Laser E.book Page 6 Monday, August 30, 2004 11:09 AM

Symbol Data Output

When to Output Symbol Data

Definition: This command allows the user to choose when symbol data can be sent
to the host.
Serial Cmd: <K705,symbol output status,when to output>
Default: As Soon As Possible
Options: 0 = As Soon As Possible 1 = End of Read Cycle

As Soon As Possible
Usage: As Soon As Possible is useful in applications in which symbol data
needs to be moved quickly to the host, typically when the host is making
decisions based on symbol data.
Definition: Enabling As Soon As Possible causes symbol data to be sent to the host
immediately after a symbol has been successfully decoded.
Note: More than one decode might in fact be required to qualify as a
good decode, depending on how Decodes Before Output is set.

End of Read Cycle

Note: See End of Read Cycle Mode on page 4-14 for options to end the read
cycle.

Usage: End of Read Cycle is useful in timing-based systems in which the host is
not ready to accept data at the time it is decoded.
Definition: Enabling End of Read Cycle means that symbol data does not get sent
to the host until the read cycle ends with a timeout or new trigger.

Start of read cycle End of read cycle

Read cycle Timeout

Host This is when host

activates trigger expects output

Figure 6-6 Read Cycle

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Chapter 6 I/O Parameters

Message Output
The following flow chart explains the logic paths taken for Noread, Bad Symbol and
No Symbol outputs.

Notes:
Start of When Symbol Detect is enabled, the scanner will test for a
Read Cycle minimum number of bar and space transitions as set in
Transition Counter Threshold. If that minimum thresh-
old is met, a Bad Symbol message is sent; otherwise a No
Scans until end Symbol message is sent.
of read cycle
If conditions for a Bad Symbol, No Symbol, or No Object
messages are met but the corresponding output is not
enabled, a Noread message will be output.

Does the
scanner decode the Yes
symbol?

No

Noread
Is Symbol
No message sent
Detect enabled?
(if enabled)

Yes

Is
Transition Bad Symbol
Counter Threshold Yes message sent
met? (if enabled)

No

No Symbol
message sent
(if enabled)

End of
read cycle

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Noread Message

Noread Message
Usage: Used in applications where the host needs serial verification that a sym-
bol has not been read and especially useful in new print verification.
Definition: When enabled, and if no symbol has been decoded before timeout or the
end of the read cycle, the noread message will be transmitted to the
host.

Noread Status
Serial Cmd: <K714,status,noread message>
Default: Enabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Noread Message
Definition: Any combination of ASCII characters can be defined as the noread
message.
Serial Cmd: <K714,status,message>
Default: NOREAD
Options: 1 to 7 ASCII characters.
Note: Noread Message will only be transmitted if Symbol Output (Symbol Data
Output Status on page 6-4) is set to Match, Mismatch or Good Read.
Noread Message can be set to any ASCII characters except NULL <> and , (comma).

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Chapter 6 I/O Parameters

Bad Symbol Message

Note: Bad Symbol Message does not apply to multisymbol operations.

Usage: Useful in verifying the presence of a symbol that has not been decoded.
Definition: When enabled, a message is sent to the host when a symbol is detected
but not decoded. See Transition Counter Threshold on page 6-8.
The Bad Symbol output is tied to the transition counter. If during a read
cycle no symbol is decoded and the required setting for the Transition
Sample Threshold is met, a user defined message will be sent to the
host. See Output Message Flow on page 9-8.

Bad Symbol Status

Serial Cmd: <K715,bad symbol status,bad symbol message>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Bad Symbol Message

Serial Cmd: <K715,bad symbol status,bad symbol message>
Default: BADCODE
Options: Up to 10 ASCII characters (except NUL)
The Bad Symbol output is tied to the transition counter. If during a read
cycle no symbol is decoded and the required setting for the Transition
Sample Threshold is met, a user defined message will be sent to the
host.

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No Symbol Message

No Symbol Message
Note: No Symbol Message does not apply to multisymbol operations.

Usage: Useful in determining if an object has an attached symbol.

Definition: When enabled, sends a message to the host whenever an object is
detected but no symbol is detected.
The No Symbol output is tied to the transition counter. If during a read
cycle no symbol is decoded and the required setting for the Transition
Sample Threshold is NOT met, a user defined message will be sent to
the host. See Transition Counter on page 4-20.

No Symbol Status
Serial Cmd: <K716,no symbol status,no symbol message>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

No Symbol Message
Serial Cmd: <K716,no symbol status,no symbol message>
Default: NO_SYMBOL
Options: Up to 10 ASCII characters (except NUL)

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Chapter 6 I/O Parameters

Beeper
Usage: Can be used as an audible verification that either a good read or a noread
has occurred.
Definition: A beep is emitted either after each good read of a symbol or after each
noread, according to the Beeper Output Condition selection.
Note: Beeper will also sound if any of the following occur:
the scanner is defaulted a send/save command from ESP or an Exit
command from any embedded menu.
a <Z>, <Zp>, <Zd>, or <K,1> command is sent

Beeper Output Condition

Serial Cmd: <K702,beeper output>
Default: On Good Read
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = On Good Read 2 = On Noread

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Partial Output

Partial Output
Definition: When enabled, allows you to pre-select portions of symbols to be trans-
mitted by the scanner.
Usage: In Multisymbol mode, partial output is performed on each separate
symbol. For example, if Start Position is set to 3 and Partial Length is
set to 5, the following symbols are transmitted as follows:
1234567890 as 34567
1234 as 34
123456789,abcde as 34567,cde (two symbols with separator)
12 as [blank]

Status
Serial Cmd: <K703,partial output status,start position,length>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Start Position (Partial Output)

Definition: Allows you to determine the first character from the beginning of a sym-
bol to transmit.
Serial Cmd: <K703,partial output status,start position,length>
Default: 1
Options: 1 to 64

Length (Partial Output)

Definition: Allows you to determine the number of characters to be transmitted.
Serial Cmd: <K703,partial output status,start position,length>
Default: 63
Options: 1 to 64

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Chapter 6 I/O Parameters

Serial Verification
Usage: These commands are useful in removing any doubt about the scanners
acceptance and response to host configuration commands.
For example, if the current preamble is SOM and <Kd1, START> is
entered, the scanner will echo back <Kd1, SOM> since the attempted
entry START exceeds the four character limit for that command. There-
fore it is rejected and the existing SOM message is echoed back and
remains the preamble message.
Definition: Allows the user to verify configuration command status.

Serial Command Echo Status

Important Note: ESP will not function whenever this command is enabled.

Definition: When enabled, a configuration command

received from the host is echoed back to
Host Scanner
the host with the resultant settings.

Function: If a command with multiple fields is processed, some of the fields may
have been processed properly while others were not. The changes will
appear in the string echoed back so that the user will know which fields
did or did not change.
Serial Cmd: <K701,serial command echo status,serial command beep status,con-
trol/hex output>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

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Serial Verification

Serial Command Beep Status

Important Note: ESP will not function whenever this command is enabled.

Usage: Used to audibly verify the acceptance and validity of a command.

Definition: Causes the scanner to beep once whenever a K command is entered to
indicate that the command was accepted and processed.
Function: If an invalid command is entered, the scanner beeps 5 times to indicate
an invalid entry. However, this does not necessarily mean that all data
fields have been entered incorrectly. Only one bad field needs to be found
in order to activate the 5 beep response.
Serial Cmd: <K701,serial command echo status,serial command beep status,con-
trol/hex output>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Control/Hex Output
Usage: Useful for viewing settings with binary characters when using serial com-
mand on a terminal.
Definition: Determines the response to a Serial Command Echo or status request
command.
When set to Control, two characters are transmitted to represent a non-
displayable character. For example, a carriage return will be shown as the
two characters: ^M.
When set to Hex, the output is the hex character.
Serial Cmd: <K701,serial command echo status,serial command beep status,con-
trol/hex output>
Default: Control
Options: 0 = Control 1 = Hex

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Chapter 6 I/O Parameters

EZ Button
The EZ Button provides a convenient way to perform programmable operations both
globally and for each of the three programmable button positions.
The EZ Button has three positions, each of which can be user-programmed to perform
a variety of functions.

Global Status
Definition: Determines the basic function of the EZ Button.
Serial Cmd: <K770,global status,default on power-on>
Default: Enabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled 2 = Trigger
3 = Unlatch Output
Disabled: When selected, the EZ Button is disabled.
Enabled: When the EZ Button is enabled, the function of each button position can be
determined by the EZ Button Mode command.
Trigger: When selected, the EZ Button will act as a trigger for the scanner. All other
button operations will not be active. The trigger will operate the same way as an exter-
nal trigger.
Trigger mode Operation
The read cycle endures for as long as the EZ Button is pressed,
External Level unless a timeout occurs and Timeout is enabled for End Of
Read Cycle.
As with Level, Edge allows a read cycle to be initiated by press-
External Edge ing the EZ Button, but unlike Level mode, the read cycle ends
with a good read output, a timeout, or a new trigger.
Unlatch Output. When selected, will unlatch any outputs that have been latched via
Latch Mode 1 (Unlatch on New Master Change) on page 6-20.

Default on Power-on
Definition: When enabled, if the EZ Button is held down during power-on, the scan-
ner will default to customer defaults and save for power-on. This is the
same as sending a <Zrc> command.
Serial Cmd: <K770,global status,default on power-on>
Default: Enabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

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EZ Button

EZ Button Modes
Definition: Provides six user-selectable functions for each of the three EZ Button positions.
Serial Cmd: <K771,position 1 mode,position 2 mode,position 3 mode>
Defaults: As indicated in the table below.
Options: As indicated in the table below.
The positions are selected by the length of time the button is held. When you want to
select position one, you press and holds the button until one beep is emitted from the
scanner and the 20% LED is turned on. You then release the button to select position one.
If you want to select position two, you continue to hold until you hear two short beeps and
the 40% LED is turned on. Finally, to select position three, you continue to hold the button
until you hear three short beeps and the 60% LED is turned on.
For example, if you want to select the function for position three, you will hear one short
beep, then two short beeps, and finally three short beeps and the 20%, 40%, and 60%
LEDs turn on in progression.
The following table lists the options for the three positions with the default position in bold text:

EZ Button Options
Single Beep Two Beeps Three Beeps
0 = Disabled 0 = Disabled 0 = Disabled
1 = Read Rate 1 = Read Rate 1 = Read Rate
2 = Autocalibration 2 = Autocalibration 2 = Autocalibration
3 = Save for Power-on 3 = Save for Power-on 3 = Save for Power-On
4 = Auto Framing 4 = Auto Framing 4 = Auto Framing
5 = Load New Master 5 = Load New Master 5 = Load New Master
6 = Sleep Mode 6 = Sleep Mode 6 = Sleep Mode

Disabled: When set to Disabled, the button position will have no function associated with
it. The scanner will still respond when the button position is reached.
Read Rate: Read rate will perform decodes/second and is the same as sending a <C>
from the terminal. To exit read rate mode, press the EZ Button once quickly.
Calibration: The calibration routine will be initiated. To abort calibration, press the EZ Button
once quickly.
Save for Power-on: When when this button position is selected, all scanner settings will
be saved to non-volatile memory to be recalled when scanner is powered-on the next
time. This is the same as sending the <Z> in the terminal.

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Chapter 6 I/O Parameters

Auto Frame: Auto Framing will be initiated when this button position is selected. To
abort auto-framing, press the EZ Button once quickly. Auto framing is a background
routine that automatically adjusts the scan width to the length of a symbol. This proce-
dure can also be accessed in a terminal view by the <@> command.
Load New Master: This allows the button to function the same as the New Master Pin
command. The new master pins consecutive decode requirement holds true for this but-
ton position when this mode is selected. (SeeNew Master Pin on page 7-9.)
Sleep Mode: If sleep mode is enabled, the EZ Button will shut off the mirror motor
and laser. To exit sleep mode, press the EZ Button once quickly.

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Output 1

Output 1
Usage: This option provides switching to host software to control external devices
such as PLCs and relays. It is useful for routing and sorting and to prevent
mis-packaging and mis-routing.
Definition: Sets the discrete output functions for specific user-selected conditions.

Output On
Definition: Allows the user to set the conditions under which an output (or outputs)
will be activated.
Serial Cmd: <K810,output on,polarity,pulse width,output mode>
Default: Mismatch or Noread
Options: 0 = Mismatch or Noread
4 = Trend Analysis
1 = Match
5 = Validation
2 = Mismatch
6 = Diagnostic Warning
3 = Noread
Note: If Output On is set to any mode containing Match or Mismatch, the transition
(switching) will only occur if Matchcode Type is enabled and Master Symbol(s) are
loaded into memory.
Mismatch or Noread
Activates discrete output when the symbol data does not match that of the master symbol
or the symbol has not been decoded before the end of the read cycle.
Match
Activates a discrete output when the symbol data matches the master symbol.
Mismatch
Activates a discrete output whenever the symbol data does not match that of the master
symbol.
Noread
Activates a discrete output whenever the symbol data is not decoded before the end of the
read cycle.

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Chapter 6 I/O Parameters

Trend Analysis
Tracks the occurrences and frequency of mismatches, noreads, and the number of
reads per trigger and output the results to any of three outputs.

Validation
(Not yet implemented)

Diagnostic Warning
The output remains active as long as one of the diagnostic conditions is met.

Polarity
Definition: Sets the polarity of the discrete output.
When set to Negative polarity, and an output condition from the scanner
is met, the output-1 pin on the scanners 15 pin connector go low for the
time specified in Pulse Width. (See Table A-3, MS-3 Laser Connec-
tor, 15-pin Socket, on page A-4.)
Serial Cmd: <K810,output on,polarity,pulse width,output mode>
Default: Negative
Options: 0 = Negative 1 = Positive

Pulse Width
Definition: Sets the time in 1 mS increments that the discrete output remains active.
Serial Cmd: <K810,output on,polarity,pulse width,output mode>
Default: 50 (50 mS)
Options: 0 to 65535 (0 to 65.535 seconds). Divide the number entered on the
command line by 1000 for time in seconds.

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Output 1

Output Mode
Definition: Sets the condition in which the discrete output is de-activated.
Serial Cmd: <K810,output on,polarity,pulse width,output mode>
Default: Pulse
Options: 0 = Pulse 2 = Latch Mode 2
1 = Latch Mode 1 3 = Latch Mode 3

Pulse
Definition: This is the default mode of operation in which the programmable output
is activated when the Output On condition has been met and held active
for the duration of the selected pulse width.

Latch Mode 1 (Unlatch on New Master Change)

Definition: The programmable output will be activated when the Output On condi-
tion is met and will stay active until the state of the new master pin
changes from inactive to active or the configuration button is depressed
in the appropriate mode.
Important Note: To unlatch using the new master pin the new master pin
status must be set to disabled. To unlatch using the button the button
status must be set to unlatch mode.

Latch Mode 2 (Unlatch Opposite Condition)

Definition: The programmable output is activated when the Output On condition
has been met and held active until the opposite condition selected under
Output On has been met.
For example, if Noread is enabled under Output On, the programmable
output will go active upon a noread and remain active until the opposite
condition, a good read, occurs.

Latch Mode 3 (Unlatch Enter Read Cycle)

Definition: The programmable output is active when the Output On condition has
been met and is held active until a new read cycle begins.
NOTE: All of the Output On modes are inhibited when any Output on Warning is
active for Output 1 (see <K713> command).

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Chapter 6 I/O Parameters

Trend Analysis (Output 1)

Usage: Useful in cases in which the user doesnt want to shut down for one con-
dition but wants to monitor quality and read conditions.
Definition: Applies trend analysis settings to Output 1.
With Trend Analysis, the user can track the occurrences and frequency
of mismatches, noreads, and the number of reads per trigger and output
the results to any of three outputs.
Example: Trend analysis mode = Noread
Number to Output On = 4
Number of Triggers = 5
In this example, the scanner will activate an output whenever 4 noreads
occur within 5 triggers (read cycles).

Trend Analysis Mode

Definition: Sets the trend condition (Mismatch, Noread, or Reads/Trigger) that
will activate the output.
Serial Cmd: <K780,trend analysis mode,number of triggers,number to output
on,decodes/trigger threshold>
Default: Noread
Options: 0 = Mismatch
1 = Noread
2 = Decodes per Trigger

Mismatch
Definition: Output will be activated when the number of Mismatches equals the
value entered for Number to Output On within the trigger window
selected in Trigger Evaluation Period.

Noread
Definition: The output will be activated when the number of noreads equals the
value entered for Number to Output On within the trigger window
selected in Trigger Evaluation Period.

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Output 1

Number of Triggers (Trend Analysis)

Definition: The number of triggers to examine for the trend analysis condition.
Serial Cmd: <K780,trend analysis mode,number of triggers,number to output
on,decodes/trigger threshold>
Default: 0
Options: 0 to 255

Number to Output On (Trend Analysis)

Definition: Sets the number of Trend Analysis events (mismatches, noreads or
reads/trigger as configured by Trend Analysis Mode) to occur within
the Number of Triggers before activating the associated output.
Usage: For example, if Number to Output On is set to 3 and Trend Analysis
Mode is set to Noread, then the output will not be activated until 3
noreads have occurred.
Serial Cmd: <K780,trend analysis mode,number of triggers,number to output
on,decodes/trigger threshold>
Default: 0
Options: 0 to 255

Decodes per Trigger (Trend Analysis)

Note: This setting only applies when Trend Analysis Mode is set to Decodes per
Trigger.

Definition: Sets the threshold for decodes required per trigger (read cycle) that
must occur before an output can be activated.
Example: Trend analysis mode = Decodes per Trigger
Number to Output On = 4
Number of Triggers = 25
Decodes per Trigger Threshold = 10
In this example, the scanner will activate an output whenever the num-
ber of decodes falls below the decodes per trigger threshold (10) for 4
trigger (read cycle) events.
Serial Cmd: <K780,trend analysis mode,number of triggers,number to output
on,decodes/trigger threshold>
Default: 0
Options: 0 to 65535

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Chapter 6 I/O Parameters

Diagnostics (output 1)
Applies warning to Output 1.
Note: When Diagnostics is enabled (Output On on page 6-18), the output mode
configuration has no effect. The output will remain active as long as one of the diagnos-
tic conditions is met. The output will go inactive as soon as it detects no active diagnos-
tic warning.

Usage: Alerts user to critical conditions.

Definition: Sets up the destinations and specific warnings that will cause activation.
(See Chapter 8, Diagnostics for more information.)

Service Threshold
Definition: Activates the output whenever the service threshold has been met. Will
output upon every occurrence of the threshold.
Serial Cmd: <K790,usused,service threshold,unused,laser current high,laser cur-
rent low>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Laser Current High

Definition: Activates the output whenever the high current threshold has been met.
Will output once.
Serial Cmd: <K790,usused,service threshold,unused,laser current high,laser cur-
rent low>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Laser Current Low

Definition: Activates the output whenever the high current threshold has been met.
Will output once.
Serial Cmd: <K790,usused,service threshold,unused,laser current high,laser cur-
rent low>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

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Output 2

Output 2
Serial Cmd: <K811,output on,polarity,pulse width,output mode>

Output 2 has the same parameters and default settings as Output 1.

Trend Analysis (output 2)

Definition: Applies trend analysis settings to Output 2.
Serial Cmd: <K781,trend analysis mode,number of triggers,number to output
on,decodes/trigger threshold>
Trend Analysis to Output 2 has the same parameters and default settings as Trend
Analysis to Output 1.

Diagnostic Warnings (output 2)

Definition: Applies warning to Output 2.
Serial Cmd: <K791,usused,service threshold,unused,laser current high,laser cur-
rent low>
Diagnostic Warnings to Output 2 has the same parameters and default settings as
Diagnostic Warnings to Output 1.

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Chapter 6 I/O Parameters

Output 3
Serial Cmd: <K812,output on,polarity,pulse width,output mode>

Output 3 has the same parameters and default settings as Output 1.

Trend Analysis (output 3)

Definition: Applies trend analysis settings to Output 3.
Serial Cmd: <K782,trend analysis mode,number of triggers,number to output
on,decodes/trigger threshold>
Trend Analysis to Output 3 has the same parameters and default settings as Trend
Analysis to Output 1.

Diagnostic Warnings (output 3)

Definition: Applies warning to Output 3.
Serial Cmd: <K792,usused,service threshold,unused,laser current high,laser current
low>
Diagnostic Warnings to Output 3 has the same parameters and default settings as
Diagnostic Warnings to Output 1.

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Quality Output

Quality Output
Usage: Host system can monitor scanning performance (printing process, scan-
ning environment changes, etc.) by setting thresholds in their processing
or displaying the outputs for visual verification.
Definition: Allows the host to track the number of good reads per trigger by append-
ing a five digit numeric field to the end of symbol data.
When enabled, symbol data is followed by a separator, followed by the
five digits in the form of 00000. For example, a certain symbol that has
been averaging 00100 reads per read cycle suddenly drops to 00012, this
would be a good indication that a problem has arisen even though good
reads are still occurring.

Quality Output Separator

Serial Cmd: <K704,quality output separator,reads/trigger status,decode direction
status>
Default: , (comma)
Options: any ASCII character
Note: For all serial configuration commands, the following characters cannot be
used:, < > NUL

Reads/Trigger Status
Serial Cmd: <K704,quality output separator,reads/trigger status,decode direction
status>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Decode Direction Output

Definition: If enabled the decode direction is appended to the barcode output with a
quality output separator as an F (forward) or an R (reverse).
Serial Cmd: <K704,quality output separator,reads/trigger status,decode direction
status>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

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Chapter Matchcode
7
Chapter Contents

Matchcode by ESP ......................................................................................7-2

Matchcode by Serial Command ..................................................................7-2
Overview of Matchcode ...............................................................................7-3
Using Master Symbols.................................................................................7-3
Matchcode Type ..........................................................................................7-4
New Master Pin ...........................................................................................7-9
Master Symbol Database ..........................................................................7-10

This section explains the matchcode output functions and the master symbol database
setup.

Note: When assigning characters in user-defined fields, the characters NULL <> and ,
can only be entered through embedded menus, not through ESP or serial commands.

Note: You can learn the current setting of any parameter by inserting a question mark
after the number, as in <K100?>. To see all K commands, send <K?>.

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Matchcode by ESP

Matchcode by ESP

Click this button to bring

up the Matchcode
menu.

To change a setting,
double-click the set-
ting and use your cur-
sor to scroll through
the options.

Matchcode by Serial Command

Command Title Format
<K223,matchcode type,sequential matching,match start
Matchcode Type position,match length,wild card character,
sequence on noread,sequence on mismatch>
New Master Pin <K225,status>
Master Symbol Database Size <K224,number of master symbols>
Matchcode Enable <K223,status>
Enter data to database <K231,master symbol number,master symbol data>
Request Master Symbol Information <K231?,master symbol number>
Request all Master Symbol Information <K231,?>
Delete Master Symbol <K231, master symbol number,>
Store Next Symbol as Master Symbol <G master symbol number>

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Chapter 7 Matchcode

Overview of Matchcode
Usage: Matchcode is used in applications to sort, route, or verify data based on
matching the specific symbol in a variety of ways as defined in this sec-
tion. For example, a manufacturer might sort a product based on dates
that are embedded in the symbol.
Definition: With Matchcode you can store master symbol data in the scanners
memory, compare this data against the scanned symbols, and define how
symbol data and/or discrete signal output will be directed. A master sym-
bol database can be set up for up to 10 master symbols. See Master
Database on page 11-8.

Using Master Symbols

1. Set Triggering Mode to External or Serial (see Trigger Mode on page 4-
6).
2. Chose the method of symbol comparison that fits your application (see Match-
code Type on page 7-4).
3. Define the output you want with your matchcode setup:
a) Symbol output (Symbol Data Output Status on page 6-4).
b) Discrete output (see Chapter 6, I/O Parameters).
4. Select the number of master symbols you want to create, if more than one (see
Master Symbol Database Size on page 11-8).
5. Enter master symbol data in one of the following ways:
a) Use ESP to type in master symbol data directly into the Utilities menu.
b) Send a serial command with symbol data in the form of <M master sym-
bol#,data> (or <) data)> for single master symbol only).
c) Send a <Gmaster symbol number> command to scan next symbol in as the
master symbol.
d) Enable the New Master Pin command and activate a discrete input to store
the next symbol scanned as the master symbol (see New Master Pin on
page 7-9). Other Master Symbol Serial Commands
See also Master Symbol Database Size on page 11-8 for more information
details on entering, requesting, and deleting master symbols.

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Matchcode Type

Matchcode Type
Note: When Matchcode is set to Enabled, Wild Card or Sequential, Number of
Symbols will default back to 1 (if set to any number greater than 1).

Definition: Allows the user to choose the way that master symbols will be compared
with subsequently scanned symbols.
Note: First set Triggering Mode to External or Serial.
Serial Cmd: <K223,matchcode type,sequential matching,match start position,
match length,wild card character,sequence on noread,sequence on mis-
match>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled
2 = Wild Card 3 = Sequential
Disabled: Has no effect on operations.
Enabled: Instructs the scanner to compare symbols or portions of symbols with the
master symbol.
Sequential Instructs the scanner to sequence after each match (numeric only) and
Matching: compare symbols or portions of symbols for sequential numbers.
Note: If Matchcode Type is set to Sequential, Number of Symbols
will default back to 1 (if set to any number greater than 1).
Wild Card: Allows the user to enter user defined wild card characters in the master
symbol.

Sequential Matching
Usage: Useful in tracking product serial numbers that increment or decrement
sequentially.
Definition: With Sequential enabled, Sequential Matching determines if a count is
in ascending (incremental) or descending (decremental) order.
Serial Cmd: <K223, matchcode type,sequential matching,match start position,
match length,wild card character,sequence on noread,sequence on mis-
match>
Default: Increment
Options: 0 = Increment 1 = Decrement

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Chapter 7 Matchcode

Match Start Position

Usage: Match Start Position is useful in defining specific portions of a symbol
for comparisons. For example, if a symbol contains a part number, manu-
facturing date, and lot code info but the user is only interested in the part
number information, Match Start Position can be set to only sort on the
part number and ignore the rest of the characters.
Definition: Match Start Position determines the portions of symbols that will be
matched by defining the first character in the symbol (from left to right)
that will be compared with those of the master symbol, when Matchcode
Type is set to Enabled or Sequential.
Function: For example, if Match Start Position is set to 3, the first 2 characters
read in the symbol will be ignored and only the 3rd and subsequent char-
acters to the right will be compared, up to the number of characters
specified by Match Length.
Serial Cmd: <K223,matchcode type,sequential matching,match start position,
match length,wild card character,sequence on noread,sequence on mis-
match>
Default: 0
Options: 0 to 64
Note: Match Start Position must be set to 1 or greater to enable this feature. A 0
setting will disable this feature.

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Matchcode Type

Match Length
Usage: For example, if Match Length is set to 6 in a 10 character symbol, and
Match Start Position is set for 2, only the 2nd through 7th characters
(from left to right) will be compared.
Definition: Defines the length of the character string that will be compared with that
of the master symbol when Match Start Position is set to 1 or greater.
When Match Start Position is set to 0, no comparison will occur.
Serial Cmd: <K223,matchcode type,sequential matching,match start position,
match length,wild card character,sequence on noread,sequence on mis-
match>
Default: 1
Options: 1 to 64
When more than one master symbol is enabled, the maximum number for each addi-
tional symbol diminishes as shown here:
# of Symbols: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Maximum
64 64 42 32 25 21 18 16 14 12
characters:

Wild Card Character

Usage: For example, with Wild Card Character defined as the default asterisk,
defining CR*34 as the master symbol will result in matches for CR134,
CR234, but not CR2345. Entering the wild card at the end of the master
symbol as in CR* will result in matches for variable symbol lengths such
as CR1, CR23, CR358, etc.
Definition: Wild Card Character allows a user to define a wild card character as
part of the master symbol.
Serial Cmd: <K223 ,matchcode type,sequential matching,match start position,
match length,wild card character,sequence on noread,sequence on
mismatch>
Default: * (asterisk)
Options: Any valid ASCII character

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Chapter 7 Matchcode

Sequence On Noread
Usage: Sequence On Noread is useful when the scanner needs to stay in
sequence even if no decode occurs.
Definition: When Sequence On Noread is Enabled and Matchcode is set to
Sequential, the scanner sequences the master symbol on every match
or noread. When disabled, it does not sequence on a noread.
Serial Cmd: <K223,matchcode type,sequential matching,match start position,
match length,wild card character,sequence on noread,sequence on
mismatch>
Default: Enabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled
As an example of Sequence on Noread Enabled, consider the following series of
decodes:
Master sym-
Decoded symbol Master symbol after decode
bol
001 001 002
002 002 003
003 noread 004 (sequenced on noread)
004 004 005
005 noread 006 (sequenced on noread)
006 noread 007 (sequenced on noread)
007 007 008
As an example of Sequence on Noread Disabled, consider the following series of
decodes:
Master sym-
Decoded symbol Master symbol after decode
bol
001 001 002
002 002 003
003 noread 003 (not sequenced)
003 003 004
004 noread 004 (not sequenced)
004 noread 004 (not sequenced)
004 004 005

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Matchcode Type

Sequence On Mismatch
Note: Matchcode must be set to Sequential for this command to function.

Usage: Enable this parameter if every trigger event should have a decode and
more than one consecutive mismatch may occur.
Disable this parameter if every trigger event should have a decode but no
more than one consecutive mismatch may occur.
Definition: When set to Enabled, the master symbol sequences on every decode,
match or mismatch.
When set to Disabled, the master symbol will not sequence whenever
consecutive mismatches occur.
Serial Cmd: <K223,matchcode type,sequential matching,match start position,
match length,wild card character,sequence on noread,sequence on
mismatch>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled
The scanner will sequence the master to one more/less than the decoded symbol. As an
example of Sequence On Mismatch Enabled, consider the following decodes:
Master sym-
Decoded symbol Master symbol after decode
bol
001 001 002
002 002 003
003 abc 004 (sequenced on mismatch)
004 004 005
005 def 006 (sequenced on mismatch)
006 ghi 007 (sequenced on mismatch)
007 007 008
As an example of Sequence On Mismatch Disabled, consider the following decodes:
Master sym- Decoded sym-
Master symbol after decode
bol bol
001 001 002
002 002 003
003 abc 004 (sequenced because of previous match)
004 004 005
005 def 006 (sequenced because of previous match)
006 ghi 006 (not sequenced because of previous mismatch)
006 006 007

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Chapter 7 Matchcode

New Master Pin

Usage: Some applications require the line worker to change the master symbol.
This can be done by installing a switch at the location of the scanner. It is
very common to have a keyed switch so that accidental switching does
not occur.
Definition: After New Master Pin is enabled, a pulse can be received on the new
master pin which will cause the scanner to record the next decoded sym-
bol(s) as the new master symbol(s).
It is important to note that the enabling New Master Pin does not in
itself cause a master symbol to be recorded. The master pin must then
be activated momentarily (for a minimum of 10 ms) before a master
symbol can be scanned into memory. (See Electrical Specifications
on page A-4.)
Serial Cmd: <K225,status>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

After New Master Pin has been enabled and the pin activated, decodes will be saved
in the master database beginning with master symbol #1. If the scanner is configured
for a multisymbol read cycle (Number of Symbols is greater than 1), the remaining
decodes will be saved in each consecutive master symbol location. For example, if
Number of Symbols is set to 3 and New Master Pin is then activated, at the end of
the next read cycle, the decoded symbols will be saved as master symbols 1, 2, and 3.

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Master Symbol Database

Master Symbol Database

See Master Database on page 11-8 for more detailed information.

Usage: Useful where more than one master symbol is required, as in a Multi-
symbol setup, for matching and other matchcode operations.
Definition: Allows you to define up to 10 master symbols as the master symbol data-
base, which can be entered by keyboard, scanned in, displayed, or
deleted by serial or ESP commands.

Request Master Symbol Data

Definition: Returns master symbol data for any enabled master symbols from 1 to
10.
For example, to request master symbol #5, enter <K231?,5>. The scan-
ner transmits the following format: <K231,5,data>. If no master symbol
data available, the output will be: <M5/?>.
Serial Cmd: Send <K231?,master symbol number> to request the current master
symbol for a specific master symbol.
Returns all master symbols if no number is added before the question
mark.
Options: 1 to 10

Request All Master Symbols Data

Definition: Returns master symbol data for all enabled master symbols from 1 to 10.
Serial Cmd: Send <K231?> to request all current master symbols.

Delete Master Symbol Data

Definition: Delete Master Symbol Data allows you to delete an enabled master
symbol.
Serial Cmd: Send <K231,master symbol number,> to delete the master symbol.
Options: 1 to 10

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Chapter Diagnostics
88

Chapter Contents

Diagnostics by ESP Menu .......................................................................... 8-2

Diagnostics by Serial Command ................................................................. 8-2
Diagnostic Messages Overview .................................................................. 8-3
Counts......................................................................................................... 8-4
Hours Since Last Reset .............................................................................. 8-6
Laser High................................................................................................... 8-7
Laser Low ................................................................................................... 8-8
Service Message ........................................................................................ 8-9

This section describes warning and operating messages and their settings.
Important: Since Warning Messages and NOVRAM Messages are not enabled by
default, these messages will not be displayed. However, if you suspect that erroneous
defaults are occurring, enable Warning Messages and NOVRAM Messages by send-
ing <K400,1,,,1>.

Note: When assigning characters in user-defined fields, the characters NULL <> and ,
can only be entered through embedded menus, not through ESP or serial commands.
Note: You can learn the current setting of any parameter by inserting a question mark
after the number, as in <K100?>. To see all K commands, send <K?>.

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Diagnostics by ESP Menu

Diagnostics by ESP Menu

Click this button to bring

up the Diagnostic menu.

To change a setting,
double-click the set-
ting and use your cur-
sor to scroll through
the options.

To open nested options,

single-click the +.

Diagnostics by Serial Command

Command Title Format
Counts, Power-on/Resets <K406, power-on,resets,power-on saves,custom default saves>
Hours Since Last Reset <K407?> (read only returns: hours,minutes)
<K411, laser high status,laser high message,laser low sta-
Laser High/Low
tus,laser low message>
Service Message <K409,status,service message,threshold,resolution>

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Chapter 8 Diagnostics

Diagnostic Messages Overview

Usage: These messages serve as a flag to service a scanner or as an early warn-
ing that potential problems could arise. They are particularly useful in
factories that run 24/7 and cant afford down time.
Definition: Warning messages that relate to the environment and condition of the
scanner can be defined and set to activate specific outputs.
Note: When enabled, the error condition will override all other opera-
tional modes configured for the output.
When enabled, laser current and NOVRAM warning messages will be
transmitted to the host or any active port whenever the pre-defined con-
ditions are met.

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Counts

Counts
(These commands are READ ONLY.)
Sending <K406?> returns a four fields of data, as follows:
<K406, power-on,resets,power-on saves,customer default saves>

Power-on Count
Usage: Useful for detecting unwanted resets caused by power supply problems
or ESD transients.
Definition Returns the number of times the scanner has been re-powered.
Serial Cmd: Send <K406?>
Returns < (read only)
Read Only 0 to 65,535 powerups, 0 to 65,535 resets.
Ranges:

Resets
Usage: Useful for detecting unwanted resets caused by power supply problems
or ESD transients.
Definition Returns Resets for all the warm resets, including <A>, <Ard>, <Arp>
and <Arc>.
Serial Cmd: Send <K406?>
Returns <K406, power-on,resets,power-on saves,custom default
saves>
Read Only 0 to 65,535 powerups, 0 to 65,535 resets.
Ranges:

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Chapter 8 Diagnostics

Power-on Saves
Usage: Useful for detecting unwanted resets caused by power supply problems
or ESD transients.
Definition Returns the number of times the scanner saves for the power-on resets,
including <Z>, <Zc>, <Zrd>.
Serial Cmd: Send <K406?>
Returns <K406, power-on,resets,power-on saves,custom default
saves>
Read Only 0 to 65,535 powerups, 0 to 65,535 resets.
Ranges:

Customer Default Saves

Usage: Useful for detecting unwanted resets caused by power supply problems
or ESD transients.
Definition Returns the number of customer default saves: <Zrd>.
Serial Cmd: Send <K406?>
Returns <K406, power-on,resets,power-on saves,custom default
saves>
Read Only 0 to 65,535 powerups, 0 to 65,535 resets.
Ranges:

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Hours Since Last Reset

Hours Since Last Reset

(This command is READ ONLY.)

Usage: Useful as a troubleshooting tool that can help pinpoint the cause of a
reset.
Definition: Records the number of hours and minutes of operation since the last sys-
tem reset.
Serial Cmd: Send <K407?>
Returns <K407hours,minutes>
Read Only 0 to 23 hours, 0 to 59 minutes.
Ranges:

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Chapter 8 Diagnostics

Laser High
When enabled, a message is transmitted whenever the laser current exceeds a factory-
calibrated reference value which cannot be altered. The message repeats once every 30
minutes until the condition is corrected.

Laser High Status

Usage: Alerts the user to impending laser failure. (Contact Service.)
Definition: Enables the Laser High message.
Serial Cmd: <K411,laser high status,laser high message,laser low status,laser low
message>
Default: Enabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Laser High Message

Definition: Defines the Laser High message.
Serial Cmd: <K411,laser high status,laser high message,laser low status,laser low
message>
Default: HIGH-LASER
Options: Any 1 to 10 character ASCII string except NUL, <, or >.

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Laser Low

Laser Low
When enabled, a message is transmitted whenever the laser current falls below a fac-
tory-calibrated reference value which cannot be altered. The message repeats once
every 30 minutes until the condition is corrected.

Laser Low Status

Usage: Alerts the user to impending laser failure. (Contact Service.)
Definition: Enables the Laser Low message.
Serial Cmd: <K411,laser high status,laser high message,laser low status,laser low
message>
Default: Enabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Laser Low Message

Definition: Defines the Laser Low message.
Serial Cmd: <K411,laser high status,laser high message,laser low status,laser low
message>
Default: LOW-LASER
Options: Any 1 to 10 character ASCII string except NUL, <, or >.

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Chapter 8 Diagnostics

Service Message
Definition: The service timer is reset on power-on, thus the timer only records the
time that has elapsed since the last reset.
The message is sent every time the timer expires.

Service Message Status

Definition: When enabled, a message is sent whenever the system detects that a
user-set service time has expired.
Serial Cmd: <K409,status,service message,threshold,resolution>
Default: Disabled
Options: 0 = Disabled 1 = Enabled

Service Message
Serial Cmd: <K409,status,service message,threshold,resolution>
Default: SERVICE
Options: Any 1 to 10 ASCII characters except NULL < , or >.

Threshold
Definition: Sets the number of hours or minutes that will transpire before the Ser-
vice message is output.
Serial Cmd: <K409,status,service message,threshold,resolution>
Default: 300 (5 minutes)
Options: 1 to 65,535

Resolution
Definition: Records time in seconds or minutes.
Serial Cmd: <K409,status,service message,threshold,resolution>
Default: Seconds
Options: 0 = Seconds 1 = Minutes

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Service Message

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Chapter Calibration
9

Chapter Contents

Calibration ...................................................................................................9-2
Auto Frame..................................................................................................9-6

The purpose of calibration is to optimize certain scanner settings to obtain the highest
read rates in one or several label positions as required by the users application. This
section includes the overall steps in calibration and specific steps for calibration by ESP,
serial command, and embedded menus. For most applications, calibration is the only
optical setup required. This section also includes an explanation of Auto Frame com-
mands, the routine for constraining the width of the scan beam.

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Calibration

Calibration
When a Calibrate command is sent, all symbologies are enabled except PDF4171 and
Pharmacode.2 The scanner looks for readable bar code symbols, and records the high-
est read rates it encounters while stepping through various settings for motor speed,
laser power, fixed gain, and AGC level. If the The software evaluates the results and
selects the best combination.

Setting up for Calibration

Position your bar code symbol at the distance used in your application and confirm that
it is at a distance within the specifications for that symbol size (see Position Symbol
and Scanner on page 1-4).

Calibration Methods
There are three ways to start calibration:
ESP Calibration menu (page 9-3).
Serial command <@CAL> (page 9-3).
From the embedded calibration menu <@> (page 9-4).

1. Calibration does not function with PDF417 symbols. However, you can substitute a Code 128
symbol with the same mil size as your PDF417. When you do this, enable Code 128 and after
calibration, switch back to PDF417.
2. Note: If using an I 2 of 5 label, verify that the number of characters in the label being scanned
matches the code length enabled for the I 2 of 5 code type (default is 10 and 6). See Inter-
leaved 2 of 5 on page 5-13.

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Chapter 9 Calibration

Calibration By ESP
1. In the Apps Mode, click the Calibration button on the icon bar
at the top of ESP to open the calibration menu.
2. In the Fixed Parameter Calibration area you can select one or
two parameters that you do NOT want to change. (Selecting all
three will produce an error.)
For example, you want to fix Scan Speed and Laser Power.
Check the appropriate boxes and make your settings, as shown here:

Start the calibration procedure by click- Click on any one or two Fixed boxes
ing either Calibrate button. if you want those parameters to not
change during calibration.
Use the Test button to
start a read rate test.

See Auto
Frame on
page 9-6.

Uncheck
this box to
disable
Framing.

Click Save to save for Autodiscriminate is used with Test to enable most symbol types. You do
power-on. not have to click this when doing calibration since it is part of the routine.

Figure 9-7 Calibration Display

3. Wait for the calibration to cycle through the various settings looking for the best
combination. A Calibration Successful message should eventually appear.
4. Click Save to save for power-on (same as a <Z> command).

Calibration by Serial Command

Send an <@CAL> command to optimize motor speed, laser power and gain level.
Send a <Z> or <Zd> command to save settings.

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Calibration

Calibration by Embedded Menu

To calibrate via the embedded Calibration Setup Menu, do the following:
1. Enter Calibration menu by sending an <@> command from a terminal. This may
take a few seconds to generate.

Figure 9-8 Embedded Calibration Setup Menu

2. Choose your calibration setup option:
Enter 1 to optimize Motor Speed.
Enter 2 to optimize Laser Power.
Enter 3 to optimize Gain Level.
Note: Doing all 3 of the above routines is the equivalent of sending the <@CAL>
serial command or clicking Calibrate in the ESP Calibration display page.
Enter 4 to do laser framing. This is the same as clicking the Auto Frame button
in the Calibration display.
Note: A user can abort calibration at any time by pressing the ESC key on the
terminal. No other keystroke has any effect while in calibration.
3. Wait for the calibration routine to cycle through its settings.
A Calibration in Progress message will be displayed. A new text line will appear
below the menu displaying the progress of the calibration.

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Chapter 9 Calibration
4. Exit the Calibration Setup menu.
To exit the Calibration Setup menu, press the ESC key. The following prompt
will be displayed:
DO YOU WANT TO USE CALIBRATION SETTINGS? (NOT SAVED) Y/N.
Typing Y will cause the current settings in the Calibration Setup menu will cause
the scanner to be reset without saving the settings for power-on.
You will then be asked,
DO YOU WANT TO SAVE THESE SETTINGS FOR POWER-ON? Y/N
These settings include Motor Speed, Gain, AGC Level, Laser Power and Laser
Frame.
Typing N will cause the scanner to be reset without saving the settings for power-
on.

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Auto Frame

Auto Frame
Auto Frame by ESP
In the Calibration menu you can also use the Auto Frame command to constrain the
width of the scan beam. This is useful if extraneous markings interfere or slow down
decoding. It works by setting the length of time the laser is ON during each scan so that
only a selected portion of the scan width is effectively scanned.
1. In the Apps Mode, click the Calibration button on the icon bar at
the top of ESP to open the calibration menu.
In the Auto Frame portion of the display, note that in the default
mode is Framing Enabled the Off position is set to 95 and the On
position is set to 10.
2. To adjust the scan width automatically, click on the Auto Frame button.
The scanner will locate the start and stop characters and adjust the scan beam
timing so that the scan width is constrained but still covers the entire symbol.

Figure 9-9 Auto Frame Defaults Figure 9-10 Constrained Scan Beam Wid

You can also adjust the framing manually by moving the Off and On selectors while
visually observing the size of the scan beam.

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Chapter 9 Calibration

Auto Frame by Embedded Menu

From the embedded menus, select Scanner Setup 2. From here you can use the
Laser On Position %and Laser Off Position % to constrain the width of the scan
beam.

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Auto Frame

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Chapter Terminal Mode

10
Chapter Contents

Terminal Window.......................................................................................10-2
Find Function.............................................................................................10-3
Macros.......................................................................................................10-4
Terminal Window Functions ......................................................................10-5

This section describes the terminal window and macro functions.

Note: The characters NULL <> and , can only be entered through embedded menus,
not through ESP or serial commands.
Note: You can learn the current setting of any parameter by inserting a question mark
after the number, as in <K100?>. To see all K commands, send <K?>.

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Terminal Window

Terminal Window

To use the terminal mode, click on the Terminal button.

You will see the following window:

Type in text
Copy, paste, here to find
and save in terminal
window
Clear
screen

Terminal Macro
screen List on
this bar

Click on Macros arrow to Add Macro, Click on Macro to Run

Remove Macro or Edit Macro

Figure 10-11 Terminal Window

The terminal screen allows you to enter serial commands (in red) from the macro box,
by copying, or directly from your keyboard.
The terminal screen also displays bar code data or information from the reader (in
blue).
You can also right click in the terminal screen to bring up a handy option box.

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Chapter 10 Terminal Mode

Find Function
The Find box allows you to enter text strings to be searched for in the terminal window.
For example a series of bar codes have been scanned into the terminal view and you
want to determine if a particular bar code starting with ABC has been read.
1. Type ABC into the Find box.

2. Press Enter.
The first instance of ABC will be high-lighted in the terminal window.
3. Press the F3 key to search again for the next instance of ABC.
4. Press Shift-F3 to search for the previous instance of ABC.

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Macros

Macros
Macros can be stored in a macro selection bar, edited in a separate window, and exe-
cuted by clicking on the macro name.

Click on Next Click on the first arrow here to Click here to edit a
Row to see Add Macro or Default Macros. macro.
the next row When you default macros, the
of macros entire macros set is restored to
their original macro commands.

When you click on the macro name, the macro is executed in the terminal window.
If this is a command, the command is also sent to the reader at the same time it is dis-
played.

Editing a Macro
When you click the arrow next to a any macro and select Edit, the following appears:

You can edit an existing macro or type in a new macro name and define it in the Macro
Value text box. Click OK.

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Chapter 10 Terminal Mode

Terminal Window Functions

Right-click on the terminal window to display the following:

Copy selected text to clipboard.

Paste from terminal or computer text.
Clear all text in terminal window.
Select All text in the terminal window.
Save... brings up a save as dialog box.
Change Font... of data text, brings up a text
dialog.
Change Echo Font... to change typed in text
or commands.
Change Background Color of terminal win-
dow.
Default Settings changes all the above back
to default settings.

Terminal Pulldown Menu

The pulldown Terminal menu has Capture and Save Current Text as well as the
functions defined above.

Capture lets you append data in real time to a

text file of your choice. While in operation, the
text file cannot be opened. You can select
Pause to interrupt the capture flow or Stop to
end the flow and open the file.
Save Current Text... saves all text in the ter-
minal window to a text file of your choice.

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Terminal Window Functions

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Chapter Utilities
11

Chapter Contents
Utilities by ESP Menu ................................................................................11-2
Summary of Utilities Commands ...............................................................11-3
Read Rate .................................................................................................11-5
Counters ....................................................................................................11-6
Master Database .......................................................................................11-8
Digital Bar Code ......................................................................................11-11
Firmware .................................................................................................11-12
Device Control .........................................................................................11-13
Symbol Type ...........................................................................................11-15
Defaulting/Saving/Resetting ....................................................................11-16
Microscan Grading ..................................................................................11-17
Reader Status Requests .........................................................................11-19

Utility commands are generally commands that are performed during reader operations
to check read rates, determine read rates or perform miscellaneous operations on
reader hardware. Serial utility commands are not prefaced with a K and a numeric
code, nor do they require an initialization command (<A> and <Z>). They can be
entered from within any terminal program or from within ESP in the Terminal window.
Note: You can learn the current setting of any parameter by inserting a question mark
after the number, as in <K100?>. To see all K commands, send <K?>.
Note: The characters NULL <> and , can only be entered through embedded menus,
not through ESP or serial commands.

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Utilities by ESP Menu

Utilities by ESP Menu

Click this button to

bring up the Utilities
menu

Utilities opens in the

Read Rate utility.
Click on the tabs to
access other utilities.

Note: Utility commands are not accessible by embedded menus.

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Chapter 11 Utilities

Summary of Utilities Commands

Table 11-2 Utilities Commands
Command Type Command Name
<Cp> Enter Single Symbol Percent Rate Test
Read Rate <C> Enter Single Symbol Decode Rate Test
<J> Exit Decode Rate and Percent Rate Test
<N> Noread Counter
<O> Noread Counter Reset
<T> Trigger Counter
Counter Request
<U> Trigger Counter Reset
and Clear
<V> Good Read/Match Counter
<W> Good Read/Match Counter Reset
<X> Mismatch Counter
<Y> Mismatch Counter Reset
<E> Enable Matchcode (see also <K223,...> on page 7-4.)
<F> Disable Matchcode (see also <K223,...> on page 7-4.)
<K224,number of mas- Set master symbol database size.
ter symbols> Also <KMnumber of master symbols>
<)data)> Enter symbol data as master symbol #1.
<K231,master symbol Enter symbol data to specified master symbol.
number,data> Also <Mmaster symbol number,data>
<G> Store next symbol scanned as master symbol #1.
<Gmaster symbol num-
Store next symbol scanned as specified master symbol.
Matchcode ber>
<)> Request master symbol #1.
Request all master symbol information.
<K231, ?>
Also <M?>
<K231, master symbol Request specified master symbol information.
number?> Also <M#?>
<K231, master symbol Delete specified master symbol.
number,> Also <Mmaster symbol number,>
<))> Delete Master Symbol # 1
<K225,status> Enable/disable New master pin
<!> Display Checksums of EPROM Flash memory
<!b> Display Checksum for Boot Code
Part Number/ <!a> Display Checksum for Application Code
Checksum <#> Display Part Numbers
<#b> Display Boot Code Part Number
<#a> Display Application Code Part Number
<H> Enable Laser Scanning
<I> Disable Laser Scanning
<K500> or <KE> Motor On
Device Control
<K501> or <KF> Motor Off
<L1> Programmable Output 1
<L2> Programmable Output 2
<L3> Programmable Output 3

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Summary of Utilities Commands

<P> Autodiscriminate All Codes except Pharmacode and PDF417
<Q> Enable Code 39 Only
Code Types
<R> Enable Codabar Only
<S> Enable I 2/5 Only
Trigger <char> Serial Trigger Character
<A> Reset (does not save for power-on)
<Ard> Reset and recall factory defaults
Default/Reset/ <Arp> Reset and recall power-on parameters
Save <Arc> Recall and recall customer default parameters
<Z> Save current settings for power-on
<Zc> Save current settings as customer default parameters
<?> Scanner Status
Status Requests <?1> Extended scanner status
<K?> Configuration status
Note: Utility commands are not accessible by embedded menus.

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Chapter 11 Utilities

Read Rate
When in a read rate mode, the scanner will output a number preceding the symbol
data. This number will represent either the number of decoded scans per second or the
percentage of successful decoder per total number of scans.
Make a note of the decode rate. It will be a useful reference when calculating the num-
ber of decodes (see Formulas for Number of Decodes on page A-46).

Read Rate by ESP

You can access Read Rate from
the Utilities menu. To start or
end a read rate test, right-click
Read Rate and select Start or
Stop.
To change from percent read rate
to decodes per second, first end
the read rate by selecting Stop,
then right-click and select
Decodes/Sec.

Read Rate by Serial Command

Enter Single Symbol Decodes/Second Test
Sending <C> instructs the scanner to transmit the decodes per second and symbol
data (if any). The decode rate can vary dramatically due to the angle and location of the
symbol in relation to the scan line. This test is very useful in aligning and positioning
the scanning device during installation.

Enter Single Symbol Percent Test

Sending <Cp> instructs the scanner to transmit the percentage of decodes and any
scanned symbol data.

End Read Rate Test

Sending <J> ends both the Percent test and the Decodes/Second test for both sin-
gle and multi-symbol.

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Counters

Counters
Counter commands can be a numeric value from 00000 to 65,535. After reaching the
maximum numeric limit of 65,535, the counter will automatically roll-over and start
counting again at 00000. To obtain the cumulative total of counts after the roll-over has
occurred, add 65,536 per each roll-over (the scanner does not keep track of the num-
ber of roll-overs) to the current count.
Note: All counter values will be lost if power is recycled to the scanner or the scanner
receives a reset or save command.

Counter by ESP
You can access Counters from the Utilities menu.
Right-click the appropriate counter option and select Request to display count or
Clear to set counter to zero. Or, right-click on Counters and select Request All.

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Chapter 11 Utilities

Counters by Serial Command

Noread Counter
Sending <N> displays the total number of noreads that have occurred since the last
reset.

Noread Counter Reset

Sending <O> sets Noread Counter to 00000.

Trigger Counter
Sending <T> displays the total number of triggers since the last reset.

Trigger Counter Reset

Sending <U> sets the trigger counter to 00000.

Good Read/Match Counter

Sending <V> displays the total number of good reads matching the master symbol if
Matchcode is enabled. This counter is always enabled, but will only work as a match
count when Matchcode is enabled. If Matchcode is not enabled, this counter records
the number of good reads. This count can be requested at any time.

Good Read/Match Counter Reset

Sending <W> sets the match counter to 00000.

Mismatch Counter
With Matchcode enabled, sending <X> displays the number of decoded symbols since
the last reset that do not match the master symbol.

Mismatch Counter Reset

Sending <Y> sets the mismatch counter to zero.

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Master Database

Master Database
Important: Master Symbol Database is used only for comparing entire bar codes,
when Sequential and Wild Card are NOT enabled, and Start Position is equal to 0.

Usage: Useful where more than one master symbol is required, as in a Multi-
symbol setup, for matching and other matchcode operations.
Definition: Allows you to define up to 10 master symbols as the master symbol data-
base, which can be entered by keyboard, scanned in, displayed, or
deleted by serial or ESP commands.

Master Symbol Database Size

Definition: Master Symbol Database Size allows you to select 1 to 10 master
symbols for the master symbol database.
Serial Cmd: <K224,number of master symbols>
Default: 1
Options: 1 to 10

To access in ESP
1. Click the Utilities button and click the Master Database tab.
2. Click the Matchcode Type checkbox to enable Matchcode.
3. Set the number of master symbols you want to include.

Scroll up or down to set the

master symbol database size.

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Chapter 11 Utilities

Enter Master Symbol Data

Definition: Allows you to enter master symbol data for a specific master symbol
index number (1 to 10), provided the index number is not larger than the
number of symbols enabled by the Master Symbol Database Size (see
page 11-8). For example, if Master Symbol Database Size is set to 2,
you will not be able to enter data for symbols 3 through 10.
ESP: 1. Double-click on each
index number you
want to setup and
copy or type in your
data in the popup data
entry box.
2. Click on the Send
Database to Reader
button.
Note: You can also click
Receive Readers Data-
base to enter the scan-
ners current database
settings or click Read Symbol into Selected Index to enter the data
from a symbol that is in the scanners read range.
Serial Cmd: <K231,master symbol number,master symbol data>
Default: 1, blank
Options: 1 to 10, any combination of ASCII text up to the maximum indicated in
Maximum Characters for Master Symbol Database on page 11-10.
For example, to enter data for master symbol 9, after making certain that
master symbol database size is enabled for 9 or more symbols (see
Master Symbol Database Size on page 11-8), send
<K231,9,data>.
Caution: Since the total number of characters available for the master symbol data-
base is 128, changes to the Master Symbol Database Size will re-allocate the num-
ber of characters available for each master symbol and could cause existing master
symbols to be deleted (except master symbol #1 unless it also exceeds the size limita-
tion).
Table 11-3, Maximum Characters for Master Symbol Database, on page 11-
10 specifies the maximum number of characters available to each symbol according to
the number of master symbols defined, from 1 through 10. See Master Symbol
Database Size on page 11-8.

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Master Database
Table 11-3 Maximum Characters for Master Symbol Database
Master Symbol Number Maximum Characters
#1 127
#2 62
#3 39
#4 28
#5 20
#6 15

Note: See Chapter 7, Master Symbol Database for information on master symbol
database and related commands.

Store Next Symbol as Master Symbol

Definition: After youve set the size in the database, you can order the scanner to
scan-in the next symbol as master symbol 1.
Serial Cmd: <Gmaster symbol number>
To store the next symbol scanned as master symbol #1 send: <G> or
<G1>. For all symbols numbers except 1, the number must be included.
Options: 1 to 10

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Chapter 11 Utilities

Digital Bar Code

When you click the
Digital Bar Code
tab and the Start
button, a digitized
representation of
the symbol in front
of the scanner will
appear.
This routine is
useful for convey-
ing a sense of the
symbols readabil-
ity and graphically
indicating bad or
unreadable por-
tions of symbols,
extraneous
noise, etc. A
green waveform indicates a decoded symbol; a red waveform indicates an undecoded
symbol or other object.
The read triangles represent the width of the scan beam relative to the symbol. The
upward pointing arrows indicated the symbols margin.

Zoom In, Zoom Out

You can zoom in by sliding the Zoom lever to the right. You may have to scroll right or
left to locate your symbol, but the results will be striking.

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Firmware

Firmware
Firmware Update is used to download application code to the reader.

Application code versions are specific to your reader. Consult with your sales represen-
tative before downloading application code. If needed, an application code will be sent
to you in the form of a *.mot file.
To download application code:
1. First make sure the host is connected to your reader.
2. Apply power to the reader.
3. In the Firmware Update pulldown window, select App Code.
This will open a file dialog box.
4. Navigate to the appropriate file (a *.mot file) and open the file.
5. Allow a minute or so for the firmware to download.
As application code begins to download to the reader, the reader will go silent, the
readers RDY and GD/RD LEDs will flash intermittently, and a progress indicator at the
bottom of the ESP window will let you know when the download is complete.
Caution: Do not interrupt power or disconnect the host cable while download is in
progress.

Firmware/Checksum Verification
From Firmware Verification you can request the part number and checksum from by
selecting App Code or Boot Code and clicking the accompanying Request... button.

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Chapter 11 Utilities

Device Control
Outputs
You can access Device Control from the Utilities menu.

Output # 1 Pulse

Definition: Activates the link between Output 1 (+) and Output 1 () of the host con-
nector for the duration set by Pulse Width on page 6-19. (regardless
of Master Symbol or Output 1 status).
ESP: Click Output # 1 Pulse to activate.
Serial Cmd: <L1>

Output # 2 Pulse
Definition: Activates the link between Output 2 (+) and Output 2 () of the host con-
nector for the duration set by Pulse Width on page 6-19. (regardless
of Master Symbol or Output 2 status).
ESP: Click Output # 2 Pulse to activate.
Serial Cmd: <L2>

Output # 3 Pulse
Definition: Activates the link between Output 3 (+) and Output 3 () of the host con-
nector for the duration set by Pulse Width on page 6-19. (regardless
of Master Symbol or Output 3 status).
ESP: Click Output # 3 Pulse to activate.
Serial Cmd: <L3>

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Device Control

Extras
You can access Device Control from the Utilities menu

Disable Reader

Usage: This feature is useful during extended periods of time when no symbols
are being scanned or the reader is being configured.
Definition: Sending <I> will turn the laser off and end the current read cycle.
ESP: Click Disable Reader button.
Serial Cmd: <I>
Disabling laser scanning will not affect any downloaded commands to the reader.

Enable Reader
Definition: Causes the laser scanner to be on continuously.
ESP: Click Enable Reader button.
Serial Cmd: <H>
Note: Enable/Disable Reader does not relate to Laser On/Off command.

Send Motor Off

Usage: This feature is useful during extended periods of time when no symbols
are being scanned or the reader is being configured.
Definition: Turns the spinning mirror off (if not already running).
ESP: Click Send Motor Off button.
Serial Cmd: <KF>

Send Motor On
Usage: This feature is useful during extended periods of time when no symbols
are being scanned or the reader is being configured.
Definition: Turns the spinning mirror on (if not already running).
ESP: Click Send Motor On button.
Serial Cmd: <KE>

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Chapter 11 Utilities

Symbol Type
Sending <P> enables the scanner to decode all available symbol types except Pharma-
code and PDF417 without changing scanner configuration.
Sending <Q> enables the scanner to decode Code 39 symbols without changing scan-
ner configuration.
Sending <R> enables the scanner to decode Codabar symbols without changing scan-
ner configuration.
Sending <S> enables the scanner to decode I 2 of 5 symbols without changing scanner
configuration.

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Defaulting/Saving/Resetting

Defaulting/Saving/Resetting

Table 11-4 Software Reset/Save/Recall Commands

<A> Reset (does not save for power-on)
<Ard> Reset and recall Microscan defaults
<Arp> Reset and recall power-on parameters
<Arc> Reset and recall customer default parameters
<Z> Save current settings for power-on
<Zc> Save current settings as customer default parameters
Recall Microscan default parameters and save for
<Zrd>
power-on
<Zrc> Recall customer parameters and save for power-on
See Appendix G Defaulting/Saving/Resetting on page A-20 for complete
explanation on resets, saves and defaulting.

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Chapter 11 Utilities

Microscan Grading
Microscan grading informs the user how the scanner perceives a symbol it is
scanning. Except for special circumstances, the slower the scan speed and the closer
the symbol is to the focal point, the more accurate the results.
The grading feature is available for the following symbologies: Code 39, Codabar, Code
128, I-2/5, and Code 93.

Command Format
<GRADE,xx.xx> where xx.xx is the symbol length in inches with up to two digits in
front of the decimal point and two digits behind the decimal point.
Example: Send <GRADE,01.50> for a symbol 1.5 inches in length.

Operation
Once the command has been sent, the scanner will enter a user test mode for up to two full
seconds. During this time the scanner will attempt to complete ten decodes of the same-
symbol. If this occurs, the scanner will output the grading information for this symbol.

Microscan Grading Output

Example:

The following information is output:

Symbol Type - The type of symbol decoded.
Symbol Direction - The direction of the symbol presented to the scanner.
Symbol Length - The length of the symbol data encoded.
Symbol Data - The data encoded in the symbol.
Check Character - Displays the check digit type that the scanned symbol complies
with. If the symbol does not comply, then the scanner outputs Failed.

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Microscan Grading
Decodability - Calculates the decodability of the symbol using the video acquired
by the reader. The calculations are consistent with ANSI X3.182-1990 however the
it is important to note the measurements used to acquire the symbol information
are proprietary and are not ANSI compliant.
W/N Ratio - Calculates the wide to narrow ratio of the symbol using the video
acquired by the reader. The calculations are consistent with ANSI X3.182-1990
however the it is important to note the measurements used to acquire the barcode
information are proprietary and are not ANSI compliant.
Average Narrow Bar - Calculates the wide to narrow ratio of the symbol using the
video acquired by the reader. The calculations are consistent with ANSI X3.182-
1990 however the it is important to note the measurements used to acquire the
barcode information are proprietary and are not ANSI compliant.
Average Bar Error - Calculates the average bar error in relation to the spaces and
the average narrow element. This is a good representation of the amount of over or
under printing.
Intercharacter Gap - Measures the largest intercharacter gap within the symbol.
If the symbol does not have intercharacter gaps then N/A is output.
Margin - Measures the size of the smallest margin around the symbol.

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Chapter 11 Utilities

Reader Status Requests

<?> Scanner Status Byte
The scanner responds to a status request <?> with a two character hex value, for
example <?/22>. To determine the status:
1. Look up the binary conversion in Table 11-5.
For example, the first 2 in binary would be 0 0 1 0 as read from binary digits 3
through 0; the second 2 the binary digits 7 through 4 which is also 0 0 1 0.
2. Next, enter your binary values in Table 11-6 in the Binary column next to the
appropriate bit.
Table 11-6 MS-3 FIS-0003 Laser Scanner Status Table 11-5 Hex
Value to Binary
Bit Binary Scanner Status Conversion
0 0 Command error (last command received)
1 1 Command received Binary
Bit
2 0 Communication error Hex Digits
3 0 Novram read/write error Value
7 6 5 4
4 0 Motor timeout error OR scanning disabled 3 2 1 0
5 1 Scanner is in a read cycle
0 0 0 0 0
6 0 Software Watch dog reset 1 0 0 0 1
7 0 Hardware Watch dog reset 2 0 0 1 0
3 0 0 1 1
3. Under Binary, interpret 1s as true and the 0s as not 4 0 1 0 0
true. For example, bit 1 has a 1 in the Binary col- 5 0 1 0 1
6 0 1 1 0
umn, indicating Command Received. Bit 5 is also a 7 0 1 1 1
1 indicating that the Scanner is in a read cycle. 8 1 0 0 0
9 1 0 0 1
<?1 > Extended Status A
B
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
C 1 1 0 0
The scanner responds to an extended status request D 1 1 0 1
<?1> with several fields, for example: <?/F><?1/35- E 1 1 1 0
338200-12,35-338201-14,476C,33,33>. F 1 1 1 1

These represent: the status byte discussed above, the boot part number (35-338200-
12), the application part number (35-338201-14), the fpga part number (5-559001-
18), flash checksum (476C), current RAM parameter checksum (33), and flash param-
eter checksum (33).

<K?> Configuration Command Status

Returns the current status of all configuration commands.

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Reader Status Requests

11-20 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Appendices
Appendix A General Specifications.............................................................................................. A-2
Appendix B Electrical Specifications............................................................................................ A-5
Appendix C Serial Configuration Commands .............................................................................. A-6
Appendix D Serial Command Format .......................................................................................... A-9
Appendix E ASCII Table ............................................................................................................ A-11
Appendix F Defaulting/Saving/Resetting ................................................................................... A-13
Appendix G Symbol Configuration............................................................................................. A-15
Appendix H Object Detector ...................................................................................................... A-17
Appendix I Formulas for Number of Decodes............................................................................ A-18
Appendix J Operational Tips...................................................................................................... A-21
Appendix K Interface Standards ................................................................................................ A-22
Appendix L Multidrop Communications ..................................................................................... A-23
Appendix M Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................... A-28
Appendix N Glossary of Terms .................................................................................................. A-30

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-1

General Specifications

Appendix A General Specifications

Mechanical
Height (Standard): 0.85 (21.6 mm)
Width (Standard): 1.75 (44.5 mm)
Depth (Standard): 1.75 (44.5 mm)
Weight (Standard): 2.0 oz. (57 g)
Height (Right-Angle): 0.90 (22.9mm)
Width (Right-Angle): 2.25 (57.2mm)
Depth (Right-Angle): 2.40 (61.0mm)
Weight (Right-Angle): 3.5 oz. (135 g)
Environmental
Enclosure rating: IP54, category 2
Operating temperature: 0 to 50C
(32 to 122F)
Storage temperature: 30 to 60C
(22 to 140F)
Humidity: Up to 90% (non-condensing)
Operating Life: 40,000 hours at 40C

Optics
Semiconductor, visible laser diode
(650nM nominal); CDRH Class II

Scanning Parameters MS-3 Laser Scanner

Options: Single line, fixed raster
Scan rate: Adjustable from 300 to 1000 scans/second;
default = 500 sps
Scan width angle: >70
Pitch: 50 maximum
Skew: 40 maximum
Symbol contrast: 25% min. @ 650nM

Connector
3 ft. (914mm) cable terminated with 15-pin D-sub socket
connector

Electrical
5VDC 5%, 200mV p-p max. ripple, 260mA @ 5VDC
(typical)

Discrete I/O
Trigger Input: 3 to 24V rated (1mA @ 5 VDC)
New Master: 3 to 24V rated (1mA @ 5VDC)
Outputs (1, 2, 3): 5V TTL compatible, can sink 10 mA and
source 2 mA.

Symbologies
Standard: Code 39, Code 128, Interleaved 2 of 5,
Codabar, Code 93, UPC/EAN, Code 93, Pharmacode MS-3 Integral Right
Special option: PDF417 Angle Laser Scanner

A-2 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Appendices
Indicators
Beeper: Good Read, Match/Mismatch, Noread, On/Off
LEDs: 1 status, 1 power, 5 read performance (representing the percentage of decodes).

LED State Status

Power Green On Scanner has power
Ready/80% Amber On Scanner is in read cycle
GD/RD/100% Amber On Good Read

FCC
The MS-3 conforms to the following requirements:
FCC 15.107:2015 Class B Conducted Emissions
FCC 15.109(g):2015 Class B Radiated Emissions
CE Mark
The MS-3 conforms to the following requirements:
EN 55022:2010/AC:2011 Class B Radiated Emissions
EN 55022:2010/AC:2011 Class B Conducted Emissions
EN 55032:2012 Class B Radiated Emissions
EN 55032:2012 Class B Conducted Emissions
Canada
ICES-003:2012 updated 2014 Class B Radiated and Conducted Emissions
Japan
VCCI:2015-04 Class B Radiated and Radiated and Conducted Emissions
Australia and New Zealand
AS/NZS CISPR 22:2009 + A1:2010 Class B Radiated and Conducted Emissions
AS/NZS CISPR 32:2013 Class B Radiated and Conducted Emissions

Safety Certifications
CDRH, FCC, UL/cUL, CE, BSMI (compliant)

RoHS/WEEE Compliant
2016 Microscan Systems, Inc.
All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change.
Product specifications are given for typical performance at 25C (77F) using grade A labels. Performance
characteristics may vary at high temperatures or other environmental extremes. WarrantyOne year limited
warranty on parts and labor. Extended warranty available.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-3

General Specifications
Read Ranges

High Density

Low Density

Narrow Bar Width High Density

.0033 (0.84 mm) 2.3 to 2.6 (58 to 66 mm)
.005 (.127 mm) 2 to 3.1 (51 to 79 mm)
.0075 (.191 mm) 1.7 to 3.7 (43 to 94 mm)
.010 (.254 mm) 1.5 to 4 (38 to 102 mm)

Narrow Bar Width Low Density

.0075 (.191 mm) 3 to 6 (76 to 152 mm)
.010 (.254 mm) 2 to 7 (51 to 178 mm)
.015 (.381 mm) 2 to 8 (51 to 203 mm)
.020 (.508 mm) 2 to 10 (51 to 254 mm)

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 Appendices

Appendix B Electrical Specifications

Maximum Operating Power: 2W
Power Input: 5VDC 5%, 200mV p-p max. ripple, 260 mA @ 5VDC (typical)
Trigger, Input 1, New Master: 5 to 28 VDC rated (optoisolated)
Outputs (1,2,3): 1 to 28VDC rated (optoisolated) (ICE <100mA @24VDC, current limited by user)

Pin Host RS-232 Host & Aux. RS-232 Host RS-422/485 In/Out
1 Power +5VDC In
2 TxD TxD TxD (-) Out
3 RxD RxD RxD (-) In
4 Power/Signal Ground
5 NC
6 RTS Aux. TxD TxD (+) Out
7 Output 1 TTL (can sink 10mA and source 2mA) Out
8 Default Configuration (NPN) In
9 Trigger (NPN) In
10 CTS Aux. RxD RxD (+) In
11 Output 3 TTL (can sink 10mA and source 2mA) Out
12 New Master Pin (NPN) In
13 Chassis Ground
14 Output 2 TTL (can sink 10mA and source 2mA) Out
15 NC

Caution:

1. Be sure all cables are connected BEFORE applying

power.
2. Always power down BEFORE disconnecting any
cables.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-5

Serial Configuration Commands

Appendix C Serial Configuration Commands

The following table is a list of all the available serial configuration commands (also called
K commands). These commands are also listed at the beginning of each applicable
chapter.

Command Title Format

Communications
Password Status <K732,status>
Password Entry, Change <K733,password,new password>
Host Port Connections <K100,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits>
Host Protocol <K140, protocol>
Host RS-422 Status <K102,status>
Auxiliary Port Parame- <K101,aux port mode,baud rate,parity,stop bits,data bits,daisy chain
ters status,daisy chain ID>
Preamble <K141,status,preamble>
Postamble <K142,status,postamble>
LRC <K145, status>
Intercharacter Delay <K144, intercharacter delay>
Read Cycle
Multisymbol <K222, number of symbols,multisymbol separator>
Trigger Mode <K200, trigger mode,trigger filter duration>
External Trigger State <K202, external trigger state>
Serial Trigger Character <K201, serial trigger character>
Start Serial Trigger Charac-
<K229,start trigger character>
ter
Stop Serial Trigger Charac-
<K230,stop trigger character>
ter
End of Read Cycle <K220,end of read cycle mode,read cycle timeout>
Decodes Before Output <K221,number before output,decodes before output mode>
Automatic Gain Control <K504,gain level,AGC sampling mode,AGC min,AGC max>
Scan Speed <K500,scan speed>
Symbol Detect/Transition <K505,symbol detect status,transition counter>
Maximum Element <K502,maximum element>
Scan Width Enhance <K511,scan width enhance>
<K700,laser on/off status,laser framing status,laser on position,laser
Laser Setup
off position,laser power>
Symbologies
<K470,status,check digit status,check digit output status,large inter-
Code 39 character gap,fixed symbol length status,default symbol length,full
ASCII set>

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 Appendices
<K474,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length,EAN-
128 status,output format,application record separator status,applica-
Code 128 tion record separator character,application record brackets,applica-
tion record padding>
<K472,status,check digit status,check digit output status,symbol
Interleaved 2 of 5 length #1,symbol length #2,guard bar status,range mode>
<K471,status,start & stop match status,start & stop output sta-
Codabar tus,large intercharacter gap,fixed symbol length status,symbol
length,check digit type,check digit output status>
<K473,UPC status,EAN status,supplementals status,separator sta-
UPC/EAN tus,separator character,supplementals type,UPC-E output as UPC-
A>
Code 93 <K475,status,fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol length>
<K477,status,fixed bar length status,fixed bar length,min. no. of
Pharmacode
bars,bar widths,direction,fixed threshold value>
<K476,status,[unused],fixed symbol length status,fixed symbol
PDF417 (special)
length,decode at end of read cycle>
Narrow Margins/Symbol-
<K450,narrow margins status,symbology identifier status>
ogy ID
Background Color <K451,background color>
I-O Parameters
Symbol Data Output <K705,symbol data output mode,when to output>
Noread Message <K714,status,noread message>
Bad Symbol Message <K715,bad symbol status,bad symbol message>
No Symbol Message <K716,no symbol status,no symbol message>
Beeper <K702,beeper output>
Partial Output <K703,partial output status,start position,length>
<K701,serial command echo status,serial command beep sta-
Serial Verification tus,control/hex output>
EZ Button <K770,global status,default on power-on>
Output 1 Parameters <K810,output on,active state,pulse width,output mode>
<K780,trend analysis mode,trigger evaluation period,number to out-
Trend Analysis (Output 1)
put on,decodes/trigger threshold>
<K790,over temperature,service threshold,[unused],laser current
Diagnostics (Output 1)
high,laser current low,low temp>
Output 2 Parameters <K811,output on,output state,pulse width,output mode>
<K781,trend analysis mode,number of triggers,number to output
Trend Analysis (Output 2)
on,decodes/trigger threshold>
<K791,over temperature,service threshold,unused,laser current
Diagnostics (Output 2)
high,laser current low,low temp>
Output 3 Parameters <K812,output on,output state,pulse width,output mode>
<K782,trend analysis mode,number of triggers,number to output
Trend Analysis (Output 3)
on,decodes/trigger threshold>
<K792,over temperature,service threshold,unused,laser current
Diagnostics (Output 3)
high,laser current low,low temp>

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-7

Serial Configuration Commands
<K704,quality output separator,decodes/trigger status,decode direc-
Quality Output
tion status>
Matchcode
<K223,matchcode type,sequential matching,match start posi-
Matchcode Type tion,match length,wild card character,sequence on
noread,sequence on mismatch>
New Master Pin <K225,status>
Master Symbol Data-
<K224, number of master symbols>
base Size
Matchcode Enable <K223,status>
Enter Data to Database <K231,master symbol number,master symbol data>
Request Master Symbol
<K231?,master symbol number>
Info
Request All Master Symbol
<K231,?>
Info
Delete Master Symbol <K231,master symbol number,>
Store Next Symbol as Mas-
<Gmaster symbol number>
ter
Diagnostics
<K406,power-on,resets,power-on saves,custom default
Counts, Power-on/Resets saves>
Hours Since Last Reset <K407?> (read only--returns: hours,minutes)
<K400, warning message status,laser high status,laser low sta-
Warning Messages tus,novram/reset warning status>
<K411,laser high status,laser high message,laser low status,laser
Laser High/Low low message>
Service Message <K409,status,service message,threshold,resolution>

Serial Communication Programs

You can send serial commands from your terminal window in ESP. You can also use a ter-
minal program such as Hyperterminal to send serial commands from your PC to the scan-
ner.
From your PC host computer, you can ini-tiate communications with the scanner by with a
terminal communications program such as Hyperterminal provided in the Windows
operating system.
In order to communicate with the scanner, you will need to use the following commu-nica-
tions settings:
Baud = 9600
Parity = Even
Stop Bits = One
Data Bits = Seven
Flow Control = None

A-8 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Appendices

Appendix D Serial Command Format

Serial commands are of two types: utility and configuration.

Rules that apply to both utility and configuration commands

A less than < and greater than > characters enclose the commands unless non-delimited
commands are used. (See "Trigger Mode" on page 4-6.)
Commands and data are case sensitive. That is, characters must be entered as upper
or lower case, as specified.

Serial Utility Commands

These are sent during operations and are not followed by <A> or <Z>.

Serial Configuration K Commands

These begin with a single K character followed by a three digit numeric, a comma, data
fields separated by commas, and typically, an initializing command, as follows:
<Kthree digit numeric,data,data,...etc.><initializing command>1
An initializing command of type A (not saved to non-volatile memory) or type Z (saved
to non-volatile memory) may follow the command.
For example, to enable UPC and save the change for power-on, send: <K473,1><Z>.
To change Baud Rate and reset without saving changes for power-on, send
<K100,3><A>.
Serial Configuration Command Conventions:
All data fields (except the last) must be followed by a comma (without a space).
The following characters cannot be used: , <, >, and NULL.
All fields preceding a modified field must be included.
If there is no change in preceding fields, then commas alone can be entered in these
fields. For example, if only the last field in the following command is changing,
<K100,4,1,0,0> can be entered as <K100,,,0>.
All fields following a modified field can be omitted. For example, to change Baud Rate,
send <K100,3>.

1. Many K command will automatically be saved for power-on.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-9

Serial Command Format
Concatenating Configuration Commands
Commands can be concatenated (added together) in a single string or data block.
Serial Command Status Request
To ensure that any command was received and accepted, you can send the Show Scan-
ner Status command: <?>.
The status of a specific serial command can be requested by entering the command fol-
lowed by a question mark, for example <K101?>. To see all K commands, send a <K?>
command.
With the FIS-0003, each K command is framed with a preamble and postamble and may
be mixed with bar code symbol data. To prevent this, send an <I> command to disable
scanning before sending the K request. Follow the K request with an <H> command to
restore scanning.

Entering Special Characters in Serial Commands

To enter control characters within a serial command, hold down the control key while typ-
ing the desired character.

Entering Special Characters in Embedded Menus

Control Characters
Control characters entered on the command line are displayed in the menu as mnemonic
characters, such as: <CR><LF><NUL><NUL>.
Press SP (the space bar) once, then enter the control character by holding down the con-
trol key and simultaneously pressing the desired character. For example to define a line
feed, press SP, then Control and J simultaneously. It is displayed as ^J on the command
line and as <LF> in the menu when the screen is refreshed.

To Define a Carriage Return as a Character

Press SP, then CR. It is displayed as ^M on the command line and as <CR> in the menu
when the screen is refreshed.

To Define a Space as a Character

Press SP twice. It is displayed as a blank space in the menu when the screen is refreshed.
While it appears that nothing has been assigned, the hex value 20 will be sent during data
transmission.

To Select NUL as the Character

Press SP, then a 0 (zero). It is displayed as <NUL> in the menu when the screen is
refreshed.

A-10 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Appendices

Appendix E ASCII Table

Dec Hex Mne Ctrl Dec Hex Ch Dec Hex Ch Dec Hex Ch
00 00 NUL ^@ 32 20 SP 64 40 @ 96 60 `
01 01 SOH ^A 33 21 ! 65 41 A 97 61 a
02 02 STX ^B 34 22 66 42 B 98 62 b
03 03 ETX ^C 35 23 # 67 43 C 99 63 c
04 04 EOT ^D 36 24 $ 68 44 D 100 64 d
05 05 ENQ ^E 37 25 % 69 45 E 101 65 e
06 06 ACK ^F 38 26 & 70 46 F 102 66 f
07 07 BEL ^G 39 27 ' 71 47 G 103 67 g
08 08 BS ^H 40 28 ( 72 48 H 104 68 h
09 09 HT ^I 41 29 ) 73 49 I 105 69 i
10 0A LF ^J 42 2A * 74 4A J 106 6A j
11 0B VT ^K 43 2B + 75 4B K 107 6B k
12 0C FF ^L 44 2C , 76 4C L 108 6C l
13 0D CR ^M 45 2D - 77 4D M 109 6D m
14 0E SO ^N 46 2E . 78 4E N 110 6E n
15 0F SI ^O 47 2F / 79 4F O 111 6F o
16 10 DLE ^P 48 30 0 80 50 P 112 70 p
17 11 DC1 ^Q 49 31 1 81 51 Q 113 71 q
18 12 DC2 ^R 50 32 2 82 52 R 114 72 r
19 13 DC3 ^S 51 33 3 83 53 S 115 73 s
20 14 DC4 ^T 52 34 4 84 54 T 116 74 t
21 15 NAK ^U 53 35 5 85 55 U 117 75 u
22 16 SYN ^V 54 36 6 86 56 V 118 76 v
23 17 ETB ^W 55 37 7 87 57 W 119 77 w
24 18 CAN ^X 56 38 8 88 58 X 120 78 x
25 19 EM ^Y 57 39 9 89 59 Y 121 79 y
26 1A SUB ^Z 58 3A : 90 5A Z 122 7A z
27 1B ESC ^[ 59 3B ; 91 5B [ 123 7B {
28 1C FS ^\ 60 3C < 92 5C \ 124 7C |
29 1D GS ^] 61 3D = 93 5D ] 125 7D }
30 1E RS ^^ 62 3E > 94 5E ^ 126 7E ~
31 1F US ^_ 63 3F ? 95 5F _ 127 7F D

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-11

ASCII Table
Communication Protocol Commands
Protocol Command Control Characters
Hex
(Mnemonic displayed on (Entered in menu or Effect of Command
Code
menu) serial command)
RES ^D 04 Reset
REQ ^E 05 Request
EOT ^D 04 Reset
STX ^B 02 Start of Text
ETX ^C 03 End of Text
ACK ^F 06 Acknowledge
NAK ^U 15 Negative Acknowledge
XON ^Q 11 Begin Transmission
XOFF ^S 13 Stop Transmission

A-12 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Appendices

Appendix F Defaulting/Saving/Resetting
Understanding and controlling your scanners active, saved, and default settings is critical
to the operation of your scanner.
<A> Reset (does not save for power-on)
<Ard> Reset and recall Microscan defaults
<Arp> Reset and recall power-on parameters
<Arc> Reset and recall customer default parameters
<Z> Save current settings for power-on
<Zc> Save current settings as customer default parameters
<Zrd> Recall Microscan default parameters and save for power-on
<Zrc> Recall customer default parameters and save for power-on

Power-on Parameters
Power-on parameters (saved by the <Z> command) are saved to NOVRAM and recalled
and loaded into current parameters when power is cycled or the <Arp> command is
issued.

Customer Default Parameters

Customer default parameters (saved by <Zc> command) are the same set of parameters
as power-on but are saved in a different, isolated section of NOVRAM. This can allow a
user to essentially create a backup set of parameters that can be recalled in the event that
the current parameters or power-on parameters have been changed and no longer
desired. It is important to note that a hardware default does not affect these parameters.
For example, a user that inadvertently changed communication settings in power-on
parameters in such a way that they either don't know the settings or don't have the capa-
bility to communicate at those settings. By using the hardware default to default the
power-on settings to the known Microscan default, the user can then recall their previously
customer saved settings with the <Arc> or <Zrc> commands.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-13

Defaulting/Saving/Resetting

Microscan Default Parameters

Microscan default parameters are contained in the firmware that cannot be changed.

Software Default
Microscan default parameters can be recalled (loaded into current settings) with <Ard>
command or recalled and saved for power-on with the <Zrd> command.

Hardware Default
If a software default reset is not possible, it may be necessary to reset the scanner by
shorting (connecting) specific pins. This procedure has the same effect as the <Zrd> soft-
ware command.

Important: For this reset to occur, this command must be executed within 60 seconds
after a power-on or a reset.

1. Apply power to the scanner.

2. Locate pins 7 and 11 on the host connector.

Caution: Be certain that the correct pins are located. Connecting the wrong pins could
cause serious damage to the unit.

3. Momentarily connect these wires (or pins) and listen for a series of short beeps.
4. Within 3 seconds, connect them again. A longer beep should be heard. If not, repeat
the process.

Default/Reset Definitions
Defaults are original or saved customer settings that can be recalled, either by software
reset <Zrd> or hardware reset.
Also when in multidrop, defaulting might be required if the scanner has been assigned a
polling address and you wish to access the scanners menu.
Defaulting the scanner by <Zrd> resets the configuration parameters to Microscan default
values. Defaulting might be necessary if you have make temporary changes, communica-
tions between the scanner and another device are lost or interrupted, or you are using
incompatible equipment (for example, a terminal that is set at 38.4K baud communicating
with a scanner that is set at 115.2K baud).1
Resets (A commands) affect only the current settings (active memory) and are not
saved for power on or recall.
Active Memory is where the scanners active settings are stored during use. These are
not available on power-on unless saved by a Z command.
1. There are no menu options or host commands for resetting the configuration program.

A-14 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Appendices

Appendix G Symbol Configuration

You can configure your scanner by presenting Code 128 symbols that the FIS-0003 Laser
Scanner responds to as serial commands.
Note: Your scanner does not need to be enabled for Code 128 in order to enter symbol
configuration.

Entering Symbol Configuration

The symbol used to enter configuration is the 7-character code 128 symbol shown below.
It is not required that the scanner be configured to read code 128 symbols to read this start
symbol or the following configuration symbols.
To setup for symbol configuration:
1. Put the scanner in a read cycle mode.
2. Place a special Code 128 configuration start symbol in the scanners field of view.
Use this symbol or one that you have created yourself.

If the scanner is able to read the start symbol, it will begin to beep and the performance LEDs
will be activated.
3. When the scanner starts to beep, remove the configuration symbol from the scan-
ners field of view.
The beeping will end and the scanner will be in the configuration mode.
During the configuration mode the LEDs will emit a side-to-side pattern to let you know
you are currently ready to configure.
You can create your own start symbol by encoding the following in Code 128:
FNC4 <_CFG>.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-15

Symbol Configuration

Using Configuration Symbols

Once in symbol configuration mode, serial command data encoded in Code 128 symbols
is read by the scanner as serial input.
Configuration symbols must meet the following conditions:
1. The only valid configuration symbols are Code 128.
2. Symbol data may contain more than one command, but individual symbols must be
presented one at a time. This is because only the first symbol in a read cycle record
will be used as a possible configuration symbol.A symbol that is presented to the
scanner must be read 25 times consecutively to be used as a valid symbol.
Once this is done the scanner will interpret the symbol data in the same fashion as it inter-
prets serial data.
3. Any valid command may be entered via symbols including operational commands.
Because the data is treated like serial input multiple symbols may be used to represent one
command as long as the symbols are presented individually and in the correct order.
4. Read rate command may also be used to enter read rate from symbol configuration
mode.
5. When in read rate, the scanner will read the symbologies that were enabled prior to
entering the configuration mode. However it will read a <J> in code 128 regardless
of current enable/disable state of code 128.
Once the <J> is issued the scanner exit both read rate and symbol configuration. To exit read
rate and remain in symbol configuration, you present the start symbol once again. Symbols
read in read rate will not configure the scanner.
To start a read rate test, scan this symbol:

Exiting Symbol Configuration

There are multiple ways of exiting symbol configuration. The first way is to simply read or
serially enter the <J> command. Other ways include any command that executes a soft-
ware reset. These commands include the save family as well as the reset family e.g. <Z>,
<Zc>, <Zrd>, <Zrc>, <A>, <Arc> and <Ard>. When exiting symbol configuration with the
symbol <J>, the scanner will beep in response.
To end the read rate test and the symbol configuration program, scan this symbol:

This will terminate symbol configuration mode. Changes made in configuration will remain
in effect just as would changes made in the menus or by serial commands. A-16

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Appendices

Appendix H Object Detector

In a typical operation, a scanner will wait for symbol data only during a triggered read
cycle. A read cycle is initiated by a trigger and can be in the form of a serial command
from the host (internal trigger) or a signal from an object detector (external trigger).
When an object detector (also called a sensor, package detector, etc.) is used, it is set up
so that its beam will bounce off the approaching object and the resulting pulse will be sent
to the scanner to begin the read cycle. Typically, a detector is positioned so that it will
detect the presence of an object before its symbol can be read.
An object detector is mounted in almost any position relative to the object as long as (1)
the object passes within range of the detector and (2) direct or reflected light from the
detector does not interfere with the scanners reception.
As the item continues to move down the line, its symbol moves into the scanner beam and
is read by the scanner.

Bar-coded Object Bar-coded Object

Object
Detector

Scanner

Object Detector

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-17

Formulas for Number of Decodes

Appendix I Formulas for Number of Decodes

To ensure reliable scanning, apply a minimum of five decodes to each symbol. Use the for-
mulas below to calculate the number of decodes that your symbol will receive.
If the number of decodes you derive from one of these calculations is less than the mini-
mum for your application, plug in the minimum number of decodes (5) and solve for
another parameter that might be changed, such as scan speed or scans per second.
Note: While the formulas given here solve for the predicted number of decodes, you may
also use the formulas to solve for other parameters that might be changed, such as scan
speed, symbol length, etc.

Single Line Ladder Calculation

For single scan line ladder scanning, use the following for-
mula: Direction of label travel

SH
-------- DR 3 = ND (number of decodes) 1
SS
Scan Line
SH (Symbol Height) (ladder formula only) is a measurement of the
height of individual bars.
SS (Scan Speed) is the distance per second that a symbol moves
through the scan.
DR (Decode Rate) is the number of decodes per second that a given
symbol receives (as derived from a stationary scan test). Ladder

Single Scan Line Picket Fence Calculation

For single scan line picket fence scanning
use the following for- Direction of label travel
mula:
(--------------------------
SW SL -)
DR 3 = number of complete decodes
SS Label
placement
area

Scan line
Picket Fence

1. The -3 component in the formula is included to allow for AGC acquisition, an incomplete first scan, and an
incomplete last scan. This applies only if the number inside the parentheses equals 4 or more. If the number
equals 3, then only subtract 2 to derive 1 good scan.

A-18 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Appendices

Raster Picket Fence Calculation

For raster picket fence scanning, the number of decodes
(ND) that can be applied to a given symbol can be calcu- Direction of symbol travel
lated once the sweep rate (SR) is known.

Sweep Rate (SR)

Sweep rate is the number of raster sweeps (up or down)
that occur per second and can be set in ESP. Since the
sweep rate cannot exceed 30 you first need to ensure
that your application can achieve this by solving for Raster pattern
sweep rate. The sweep rate should generally be set as
low as possible in order to maximize the number of Raster
scans on a given symbol. Picket Fence
The formula for determining Sweep Rate (SR) is as follows: 1

2 SS -
SR = --------------------------
( SW SL )

SR = Sweep Rate, the number of passes, up or down, that are described by the arc of the raster
mirror.
SS = Scan Speed, the distance per second that a symbol moves through the scan.
SW = Scan Width, the width across the scan beam, at a given distance from the scanner, in which a
symbol can be read (picket fence formula only).
SL = Symbol Length, the length of the longest printed symbol to be read plus the length of the quiet
zones (picket fence formula only).

Example:
SW = 5
22
SS = 2 inches per second SR = ---------------- = 1
(5 1)
SL = 1

Important: The maximum sweep rate that your can set the scanner to is 80. If your solu-
tion is greater than 80, you must change another parameter such as scan speed, etc. and
recalculate.
Since SR can only be entered into the software as whole numbers, round off fractions of
SR to the next higher number, for example enter 0.4 as 1 and 3.5 as 4.
In setting up the scanner, raster height depends on the raster arc and the symbol distance
(range) from the scanner. Both the top offset and bottom offsets can be adjusted indepen-
dently in 255 increments and the resulting arc can vary from 0 to 30.

1. The number 2 in the SR formula ensures that each symbol receives two full raster sweeps.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-19

Formulas for Number of Decodes

Angled Picket Fence Calculation

The number of complete scans for angled picket fence is
calculated the same as that for picket fence, with the Direction of symbol travel
exception that the scan width is shortened in proportion
to scan tilt.

Scan Line

Angled Picket Fence

Improving the Number of Decodes

After changing any of the parameters described in this section, recalculate the number of
decodes.

Scan Speed
Scan speed is a function of motor speed and is adjustable. A slower scan speed may allow
greater symbol range and/or higher decode rates, but at the cost of fewer scans per symbol.
Applies to both picket fence and ladder oriented symbols. If your application allows it, slowing
scan speed (the time in seconds that a symbol is fully within the scan width of the scanner) is
an effective way to increase the number of decodes.

Range
Adjusting the symbols range, if possible, is one of the quickest and most effective ways to
improve decode rates. However, in some applications you may need to select a less than
optimum range, or one that is beyond the fringes of the ranges.

Scan Width
Increasing scan width will increase the number of scans in a picket fence oriented applica-
tion. Scan width is linked with scan range and changing one will usually require a change
in the other.

Symbol Dimensions, Symbol Density, and Symbol Ratio

Not usually an option in most applications, but changes to symbol parameters can affect
number of decodes calculations and possibly decode rates.
If your application allows it, shortening the length of a picket fence symbol means the sym-
bol will be in the scan range longer and hence receive a greater number of scans. Increas-
ing the height of a ladder symbol means it will receive more scans. Changing symbol
density and/or symbol ratio is another way ranges, decode rates, etc. can be altered.

A-20 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Appendices

Appendix J Operational Tips

Do:
Check inputs (scan speed, length, height, etc.) to ensure the desired number of decodes
per symbol.
Connect scanner to host before connecting power to the scanner; disconnect power
before disconnecting the host from the scanner.
For optimum decodes, mount scanner so that your symbols pass through the center of
the depth-of-field (minimum/maximum range). You find the center by moving your sym-
bol in and out during a read rate test.
Avoid excessive tilt, pitch, and skew of the symbol.
Check the symbol for readability by doing a decode rate test. If there is any question
about the symbol's readability, contact your Microscan representative.
After changing any parameter that might affect decode rate, repeat decode rate test.
Clean the scanner window with a clean, dry Q-tip or cotton cloth on a regular basis.

Do Not:
Aim the scanner into direct light or sunlight.
Aim the scanner into an external object detector or other light-emitting device.
Obstruct the scanner window with mounting hardware or other objects.
Connect chassis of scanner and host to different ground potentials.
Operate the scanner in excessive temperature environments.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-21

Interface Standards

Appendix K Interface Standards

Interface Standards, established by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA), specify
such things as the signaling voltage levels, maximum cable lengths, and number of driv-
ers. With Microscan devices, selection of interface is made by pin assignment and, in the
case of the host communications, by software switching between RS232 and RS422.
Microscan devices use RS232, RS422, and RS485 multidrop.

RS232
RS232 defines an interface between two devices, such as the scanner and host. It differs
from the other interfaces by dedicating individual pins to specific functions and by requiring
both devices to share a common ground line. Since both device chassis are connected to
a common ground, a ground loop potential and the possibility of noise interference exists;
therefore, cable lengths are limited to a maximum of 50 feet (19.7m). Despite being the
most limited, this interface is used frequently because of the large installed base of RS232
equipment.

RS422
RS422, unlike RS232, measures signals deferentially; that is, the receiver looks at the
potentials between the two receive (or transmit) wires rather than the potential between
signal and ground. As a result, cables, if shielded, can be up to 4000 feet (1219m) in
length. Like RS232, RS422 communication is designed for only two devices on a single
line and must have a common ground. It can be used wherever RS232 is used.

RS485
RS485, like RS422, can transmit up to 4000 feet (1219 m) using differential voltages, but
unlike RS422, its transmitters are turned off until a request for data is received from the
host. RS485 is used exclusively in multidrop protocol.

USB
The Universal Serial Bus can connect up to 127 devices to a host at a maximum of 6
megabits per second (Mbps) of bandwidth.

A-22 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Appendices

Appendix L Multidrop Communications

This appendix describes the rules for setting up
a concentrator or controller to communicate Host
with a scanner in standard Multidrop protocol.
The diagram to the right shows a typical Multi-
Concentrator Polled Protocol
drop network in which 1 to 50 scanners can
Multidrop ONLY
communicate with a host via an intermediary RS-485 Interface
device, a concentrator or a controller.
Scanner 01

Scanner 02
Scanner 03

Configure Your Scanner for Multidrop

1. With the scanner connected to the host, Retrieve Reader Settings.
2. Select Multidrop in the Protocol configuration menu.
You will see the following message:
Important: You must change your preamble and postamble characters so that they are not
CR or NULL.
This allows data to move through the concentrator without interference.
3. Click OK.
4. Next, go to Preamble Characters (still in the Protocol menu) and double-click on
Characters.
5. This will open up an ASCII character table. Select any character other than CR. For
example, select LF.
6. Repeat the above for Postamble.
7. Check the multidrop address. Enter a number from 01 to 50.
8. Right-click in the window and select Save to Reader and Send and Save.
9. Your scanner is now in multidrop. From here on, you will need to use the concentra-
tor to relay commands and data between the scanner or scanners and the host.
10. Next, go to Connect to Reader via the Concentrator on the next page.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-23

Multidrop Communications

Connect to Reader via the Concentrator

You will need a multidrop concentrator and the required power supplies and cabling to
communicate with your scanner(s).
1. From the Communications drop down menu, select Config-
ure Multidrop to bring up the Multidrop Settings dialog.
2. If necessary, change the default address to match the
address of your multidropped scanner and click OK.
If the host serial port is not connected in ESP, you will see
the following popup message:
ESP is not currently connected to the multidrop concentra-
tor. Do you wish to establish a connection now?
3. Click Yes.
You will see a Serial Communication Parameters dialog.
Notice that the Force Connection option is checked. Do
not change this.
4. Select the concentrators host port communications settings.
When you click Connect, you will be connecting to your concentrator, which can then relay com-
mands to the scanner whose address was set in the Multidrop Settings dialog.
5. Click Connect.
6. You should see the CONNECTED message in green at the bottom of the window
along with the scanners Multidrop address.

7. Click Retrieve Reader Settings to upload scanners configuration. If upload fails,

return to the Serial Communication Parameters dialog and make the necessary cor-
rections.
8. Follow the same procedure for connecting other scanners to your
multidrop network.

A-24 MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual

 Appendices

Polling Sequence
Data that is transmitted to the host (symbol data, noread messages, counters, etc.) via
concentrators is solicited by poll requests from the host.
The polling sequence example is by poll address 1E (ASCII hex value for Scanner 02)
and a REQ (request). The scanner responds by first transmitting its own address, 1E,
followed by a STX (start of text) character, and then the data. Next it transmits an ETX
(end of text) character and an LRC (longitudinal redundancy check) character.
If the concentrator (or controller) receives the data from the scanner and is able to validate it
with an LRC calculation, it responds with an ACK (acknowledgment). If the scanner in turn
receives the ACK, the scanner ends this exchange with a RES (reset).

Start of Sequence End of Sequence

Concentrator RES 1E REQ ACK

Scanner 02 1E STX DATA ETX LRC RES

Polling Sequence

Polling Reset
If the scanner has no information, it responds to a poll request by transmitting a RES
(reset).
If the scanner receives a NAK instead of the ACK after transmitting its data string, it will
re-attempt to send the data string up to three times. If the scanner still does not receive
an ACK, it will send a RES (reset) and discard the data in its buffers.
If the scanner transmits data to the concentrator and the concentrator responds with an
ACK or NAK, but the scanner doesnt receive the concentrators response, the scanner
will timeout and send a REQ to the concentrator and request another response. If after
three retries (the number of times it transmits a REQ to the concentrator) the scanner
receives no response, it ends the transmission with a RES (reset).

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-25

Multidrop Communications

Select Sequence
Unlike poll requests, select commands always originate from the host and consist of serial
configuration or operation commands to devices that are configured in Multidrop. The
scanner complies with the command when it is polled during the cycle.

Start of Sequence End of Sequence

Concentrator RES 1F REQ STX <T>ETX LRC RES

Scanner 02 1F ACK 1F ACK

Polling Sequence

A RES (reset) is the first command in the select sequence. The 1F hex is the select
address associated with Scanner 02 address. It is followed by a REQ (request). The scan-
ner responds with its own select address, 1F hex, and an ACK (acknowledge). The con-
centrator then transmits an STX (start of text), the data (in this case a <T>), an ETX (end
of text), and an LRC character.
The scanner replies by transmitting its own address, followed by an ACK, acknowledging
receipt of the command. Upon receipt of an ACK, the concentrator concludes the success-
ful exchange with a RES.
In the example above, the scanner only acknowledges a trigger counter request from the
concentrator. It does not respond to the trigger counter request until a subsequent poll. For
example, if the scanners trigger count was 12 at the time the trigger counter request was
received, on a subsequent poll it would send 02T/00012. (The 02 at the beginning of the
string is the scanners address.)

Select Reset
If the scanner receives bad data from the concentrator, it transmits a SEL (its select
address) and a NAK to the concentrator. The concentrator re-transmits the data up to
three times. The concentrator will end the sequence with a RES (reset) if no ACK is
received.
Multidrop Addresses
Poll Select Poll Select
Multidrop Character Character Multidrop Character Character
Address Address
ASCII HEX ASCII HEX ASCII HEX ASCII HEX
01 ^\ 1C ^] 1D 26 N 4E O 4F
02 ^^ 1E ^- 1F 27 P 50 Q 51
03 SP 20 ! 21 28 R 52 S 53
04 " 22 # 23 29 T 54 U 55
05 $ 24 % 25 30 V 56 W 57
06 & 26 ' 27 31 X 58 Y 59

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 Appendices
07 ( 28 ) 29 32 Z 5A [ 5B
08 * 2A + 2B 33 \ 5C ] 5D
09 , 2C - 2D 34 ^ 5E _ 5F
10 . 2E / 2F 35 ` 60 a 61
11 0 30 1 31 36 b 62 c 63
12 2 32 3 33 37 d 64 e 65
13 4 34 5 35 38 f 66 g 67
14 6 36 7 37 39 h 68 i 69
15 8 38 9 39 40 j 6A k 6B
16 : 3A ; 3B 41 l 6C m 6D
17 < 3C = 3D 42 n 6E o 6F
18 > 3E ? 3F 43 p 70 q 71
19 @ 40 A 41 44 r 72 s 73
20 B 42 C 43 45 t 74 u 75
21 D 44 E 45 46 v 76 w 77
22 F 46 G 47 47 x 78 y 79
23 H 48 I 49 48 z 7A { 7B
24 J 4A K 4B 49 | 7C } 7D
25 L 4C M 4D 50 ~ 7E D 7F

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-27

Troubleshooting

Appendix M Troubleshooting
Symptom Cause Solution
Power supply is lower than required voltage. Use a shorter cable or provide required input
voltage.
Motor won't spin up and Default pin held low at power-up. Boot mode
scan. enabled. Bad cable. Fix or replace cable.
Missing or faulty Application Code; Boot Enter boot mode with power-up and default
mode enabled. pin. Download new Application Code.
LEDs are flashing but Boot mode enabled. Verify Application Code. Release default line
MS-3 is not scanning. and re-power unit.
The symbology being used in the application Enable the symbology type being used in the
is not enabled in the scanner. application.
MS-3 is not decoding.
Length field does not match actual length. Disable fixed length option or change length
field to match actual symbol length.
High frequency ambient lighting. Shade bar code read area, especially the
scan path between the unit and the bar code.
Try aggressive ratios. (Tight ratios decode
high-quality symbols. Standard ratios
Poor bar code printing, ratio errors, or erroneous decode most symbols. Aggressive ratios
bar widths. are loosened to allow decoding of poor quality
symbols. See Symbol Ratio Mode for more
information.) Improve bar code print quality.
Symbol is not in the focal area of laser. Re-position symbol or scanner for optimal
focus position.
Try aggressive ratios. (Tight ratios decode
high-quality symbols. Standard ratios
decode most symbols. Aggressive ratios
Poor decode performance. Excessive curvature of symbol. are loosened to allow decoding of poor quality
symbols. See Symbol Ratio Mode for more
information.)
Gain value not optimal. Try autocalibration.
Other objects in field of view are misleading Try to eliminate shiny objects from the field of
the gain control system. view.
Scan rate is too fast, exceeding MS-3s video Slow down the scan rate.
bandwidth.
Do not violate the 10x rule for quiet zone;
Quiet zone not large enough. enable narrow quiet zone setting.
Clean window with non-abrasive cleaner and
Contaminants on window. wiping cloth; refer to the User Manual for
cleaning instructions.
A preceding bright object is increasing recovery Remove shiny objects that may enter the
Reads well with static scanners field of view before the symbol
bar codes, but once bar time for gain control. enters the field of view. Try fixed gain.
codes are in motion
there are many No Remove shiny objects that may enter the
Reads. Specular reflection preventing AGC stability. scanners field of view before the symbol
enters the field of view. Try fixed gain.
Try aggressive ratios. (Tight ratios decode
high-quality symbols. Standard ratios
Different segments of decode most symbols. Aggressive ratios
bar code decode 100%; Poor printing, ratio errors, or erroneous bar are loosened to allow decoding of poor quality
others decode 0%. widths. symbols. See Symbol Ratio Mode for more
information.) Correct printing variations and
improve bar code print quality.
MS-3 has defaulted settings. No longer set to Connect using default settings instead of
Cannot communicate user communication settings. user settings.
with MS-3. Unit is in boot mode and communication settings Set communication parameters to 57.6K, 8, 1,
are not the same as application mode. None. Exit boot mode.

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 Appendices
Laser failing. Return for service.
Motor failing. Return for service.
Focus shifted. Re-position scanner or symbol. If re-positioning
does not help, return for service.
Decode performance Try aggressive ratios. (Tight ratios decode
was good but is now high-quality symbols. Standard ratios
bad. Symbology has changed, or there are differences decode most symbols. Aggressive ratios
in printing or bar width. are loosened to allow decoding of poor quality
symbols. See Symbol Ratio Mode for more
information.) Improve bar code print quality.
Symbol position has moved from initial testing
position. Re-position scanner or symbol.

MS-3 LED Indicators

Normal Normal Normal Read Read Read Read Read Read Control Control Control Boot
LEDs Read Read Read Test Test Test Test Test Test Mode Mode Mode Mode
Modes Modes Modes Mode Mode Mode Mode Mode Mode
100% OFF OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON ON ON BLINK ON OFF
80% OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON ON ON ON ON BLINK OFF
60% OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON ON ON ON ON ON BLINK OFF
40% OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON ON ON ON ON ON ON BLINK OFF
20% OFF OFF OFF OFF ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON OFF
PWR ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON OFF
Unit has not run a read cycle yet or did run a read cycle but did not have a Good Read result.

Unit is in an active read mode.

Unit is idle; last read cycke was a Good Read.

81% - 100% <Cp> or <C> the % of scans to decodes is presented as a percentage and shown by the LEDs.

In the onboard menu system.

In ESP Mode.

In ESP Mode getting digital bar code scan.

In Boot Mode or In Boot Mode and downloading firmware.

No power.
0% <Cp> or <C> the % of scans to decodes is presented as a percentage and shown by the LEDs.

1% - 20% <Cp> or <C> the % of scans to decodes is presented as a percentage and shown by the LEDs.

21% - 40% <Cp> or <C> the % of scans to decodes is presented as a percentage and shown by the LEDs.

41% - 60% <Cp> or <C> the % of scans to decodes is presented as a percentage and shown by the LEDs.

61% - 80% <Cp> or <C> the % of scans to decodes is presented as a percentage and shown by the LEDs.

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-29

Glossary of Terms

Appendix N Glossary of Terms

AGC See Automatic Gain Control.
Analog A smooth, continuous voltage or current signal or function whose magnitude
(value) is the information.
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Adjustment to signal strength that seeks to maintain a
constant level regardless of the distance between a scanner and symbol.
Baud Rate The number of discrete signal events per second; bits per second.
Check Character A Modulus 43 or Modulus 10 character that is added to encoded
symbol data for additional data integrity.
Connector A plug or socket on a device or cable providing in/out connectivity for various
circuits and pins.
Concentrator Intermediary device that relays data from scanners to a host and commands
from the host to the scanners or other devices.
Counter Memory space allocated to keep track of scanner events.
Daisy Chain Linkage of primary and secondary scanners allowing data to be sent to
the host.
Decode A good read. The successful interpretation and output of the information
encoded in a symbol.
Default Restores non-volatile or flash memory settings, initializes serial commands,
and resets all counters.
Delimited A delimited command or field is bracketed by predefined characters.
Decode Rate The number of good reads per second ahieved by a scanner.
Discrete I/O Inputs and outputs characterized by discrete signal transitions from one
voltage level to another so that digital switching can occur.
End of Read Cycle The time or condition at which the scanner stops expecting symbol
information to decode.
External Edge Allows a read cycle to be initiated by a trigger signal from an object
detector when it detects the appearance of an object. The read cycle ends with a good
read, a timeout, or a new trigger.
External Level Allows a read cycle to be initiated by a trigger signal from a photo
sensor. The read cycle ends when the object moves out of the detectors range.
Firmware Software hard-coded in non-volatile memory and closely tied to specific
pieces of hardware.
Fixed Symbol Length Increases data integrity by ensuring that only one symbol length
will be accepted.
Full Duplex A communication system in which signals can travel simultaneously
between devices.
Gain Optimal signal strength.
Good Read A decode. The successful scanning and decoding of the information
encoded in a symbol.

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 Appendices
Half Duplex A communication system in which signals can travel between devices in
both directions, but not simultaneously.
Host A computer, PLC, or other device that is used to execute commands and process
data and discrete signals.
Initialize Implement serial configuration commands into the scanners active memory.
Input A channel or communication line. Decoded data or a discrete signal that is
received by a device.
Ladder Orientation A linear symbol orientation in which the bars are parallel to the
symbols direction of travel.
LED See Light-Emitting Diode.
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) A semiconductor device that emits light when conducting
current.
Multidrop A communication protocol for networking two or more scanners or other
devices with a concentrator (or controller) and characterized by the use of individual
device addresses and the RS-485 standard.
Noise The same as static in a phone line or snow in a television picture, noise is any
unwanted electrical signal that interferes with the symbol data being decoded and transmitted
by the scanner.
Normally Closed A discrete output state that is only active when open.
Normally Open A discrete output state that is only active when closed.
Output A channel or communication line. Data or discrete signals that are transmitted
or displayed by a device.
Parity An error detection routine in which one data bit in each character is set to 1 or 0
so that the total number of 1 bits in the data field is even or odd.
Picket Fence Orientation A linear symbol orientation in which the bars are perpendicular
to the symbols direction of travel.
Pitch Rotation of a symbol around an axis parallel to the symbol length on the substrate.
See the illustration below.
axis
Bar code Skew
label
Tilt
axis
Tilt
Symbol

Scanner

Pitch
Pitch
axis
Scanner Scan line

PLC See Programmable Logic Controller.

Port Logical circuit for data entry and exit. (One or more ports may be included within a
single connector.)

MS-3 Laser Scanner User Manual A-31

Glossary of Terms
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) An electronic device used in industrial automation
environments such as factory assembly lines and automotive manufacturing facilities.
Protocol The rules for communication between devices, providing a means to control
the orderly flow of information between linked devices.
Read Cycle A programmed period of time or condition during which a scanner will accept
symbol input.
Skew Rotation of a symbol around an axis parallel to the symbol height on the substrate.
See the illustration under the definition of Pitch.
Substrate The surface upon which a symbol is printed, stamped, or etched.
Symbol Transitions The transition of bars and spaces on a symbol, used to detect the
presence of a symbol on an object.
Symbology A symbol type, such as Code 39 or Code 128, with special rules to define
the widths and positions of bars and spaces to represent specific numeric or alphanumeric
information.
Tilt Rotation of a symbol around an axis perpendicular to the substrate. See the illustration
under the definition of Pitch.
Trigger A signal, transition, or character string that initiates a read cycle.
Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) The creation of integrated circuits by combining
thousands of transistor-based circuits on a single chip.
VLSI See Very Large-Scale Integration.

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